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HARC debates 'rainbow' pickets: commissioners ask staff to draft guideline change after code, process questions
Summary
Commissioners discussed a wave of emails and code letters about painted fence pickets in the historic district and directed staff to draft an action item proposing how limited colored pickets might be allowed while preserving the certificate‑of‑appropriateness process.
A policy discussion on Nov. 18 at the City of Key West’s Historic Architecture Review Commission focused on whether property owners should be allowed to paint small sections of fences in colors (including rainbow flag colors) without a full design review.
Planner Daniella told the commission she had received emails and that code staff had sent letters to property owners suggesting they would need to seek HARC review. City Attorney Ryan reminded commissioners that painting an exterior element in the historic district is an "exterior alteration" under code and generally requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
Commissioner Green argued the change is decorative and proposed staff be given authority to approve up to seven pickets (or the width of a pedestrian gate) painted a different color, suggesting a short time‑limited COA (for example, two years) as a compromise. Several commissioners agreed such a limit would reduce staff burden and allow property owners to proceed, but others warned that adopting permissive language could open the door to political messaging or larger murals and that careful wording would be required.
Commissioner Osborne urged caution about creating a free‑for‑all and suggested options such as limiting paint to gate width or pedestrian gate area, or using removable banners rather than permanent paint. Commissioners asked staff to research an older supplemental document that governs colors and freestanding fixtures in the city to see whether existing guidance covers these cases.
Outcome and next steps
The commission did not adopt a policy at this meeting. Instead, members directed staff and the city attorney to research existing guidance, draft an action item or proposed guideline text and return with options (potentially for the December meeting or January). In the interim, staff will advise residents that repainting or painting fences in the historic district is treated as an exterior alteration and that applicants should file for a COA if they wish to proceed now.
Key quotes
"So I wanted to bring this up because...we received emails, and we're probably gonna receive more on what to do since, from my understanding, code has sent letters to property owners," said Daniella, the planner.
"Painting is an exterior alteration under our code," City Attorney Ryan said, noting that HARC review is the current legal path.
Why it matters
The discussion balances neighbors' desire for expressive, decorative fences with the commission's responsibility to protect the historic district’s visual character and to keep decisionmaking procedurally consistent. A guideline change or an interim staff process could standardize approvals and limit ad hoc outcomes for sensitive or politically charged messaging.
What to watch for
Staff was asked to return with a recommended approach and any relevant existing memos or supplemental guidance; until then, property owners should expect that painting fences may require a COA and should consult planning staff before proceeding.
