El Paso HLC allows metal fence at 1411 Field Street with painting condition

At a meeting of the City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission, members voted to approve a reconsidered certificate of appropriateness allowing metal panels for an 8-foot fence at 1411 Field Street, with the condition that the panels be painted.

Staff told the commission the property is a contributing 1926 residence in the Sunset Heights Historic District and that the commission had previously approved an 8-foot fence. Staff also said the owner revised the approved design — originally solid wood planks — to sheet-metal panels, and that "metal panels are not a historic fence material in the district," noting the new material differs from what the commission had approved.

The commission's discussion centered on three issues: visibility from the public right of way, material appropriateness under the district's design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior standards, and the risk of setting a precedent that could encourage similar requests across the neighborhood. One commissioner asked whether the design-guideline height rules applied only to fences on property lines, noting the proposed fence sits within the property rather than directly on the line. Staff said the guidelines can be subject to interpretation and may require legal clarification.

The applicant (recorded in the hearing as "Mister Guevz") told commissioners the proposed panels are 1/8-inch perforated sheet metal in 4-by-8 sheets that would fit between already-installed metal posts. He argued the sheets would be more durable and require less long-term maintenance than wood, saying, "I'm just doing something that can help my daughter prevent from future maintenance" and asking the commission to approve the change so future upkeep would be reduced.

Commissioners probed durability and corrosion. A staff member explained that if a ferrous (iron-based) metal is used it will require painting and maintenance to avoid rust, while aluminum would not rust. One commissioner proposed a friendly amendment to require the panels be painted; staff agreed that condition could be memorialized.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve "with the condition that the fence be painted," a motion that was seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript records a voice roll of "aye" responses and "Motion passes" but does not include a numerical roll-call tally in the record.

The commission then moved on to the consent agenda, which passed with two abstentions, introduced a new commissioner, and adjourned. The action on 1411 Field Street is recorded as an approval with the paint condition; staff may prepare the written certificate of appropriateness reflecting that condition.

What happens next: staff will record the commission's decision in the formal file for 1411 Field Street. Because the commission approved a material different from the staff recommendation, future applicants could cite this action as precedent; staff and several commissioners noted that visibility and location were important factors in the decision.