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Commission approves pool and perimeter fence at 19 Pinehurst, notes ZBA review required for fence scalability
Summary
The commission approved a rear-yard pool and perimeter fencing at 19 Pinehurst but recorded staff concerns that portions of the proposed decorative fencing may require a Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA) variance to meet non-scalable pool-fence standards; the applicant said some submitted images contained Photoshop artifacts and intends a uniform 6‑foot non‑scalable fence.
The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness (HPC 6825) on Dec. 10 for a proposed rear‑yard pool and perimeter fencing at 19 Pinehurst in the Pinehurst Historic District, while flagging zoning compliance questions that will require Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA) review.
Staff described the project as reworking the rear yard to construct a pool surrounded by a 6‑foot iron fence, new brick stairs, repair of retaining walls, and a proposed 2‑foot decorative iron fence atop an existing brick fountain wall that would total 6 feet in height at that location. Staff cautioned the commission that zoning requirements for pool safety require fences to be non‑scalable by a child, and that certain depictions in the applicant’s slides raised questions about compliance; staff said the fence may need a ZBA variance.
Applicant Kelly Fitz and Carrie Fitz responded that the images in the packet included Photoshop artifacts and that the intent is a uniform, non‑scalable 6‑foot iron fence around the pool area; they asked staff to mark the plan to clarify fence locations and height transitions over retaining walls. Commissioners discussed the possibility of approving the design as presented while noting that any required ZBA approvals would need to be obtained; the commission specifically recorded that picket spacing on gates will match the fence and that final dimensions and non‑scalable details must be confirmed.
The motion as approved included the note that the commission’s approval is subject to any required ZBA action on zoning-related issues; staff will review zoning compliance and the applicant will make any succeeding adjustments or return with revisions if ZBA requires changes.
Why it matters: Pool enclosures must meet both design guidelines for historic compatibility and zoning/safety codes that prevent easy scaling by children. Where those rules conflict, applicants must seek zoning relief or revise plans.
Next steps: The applicant should work with staff to clarify fence details and pursue ZBA approval if needed; a final inspection will follow construction.
