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Historic preservation commissioners weigh tighter rules on vinyl, more flexibility for rear additions
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Summary
New Berns Historic Preservation Commission reviewed draft guideline language to restrict vinyl fences, clarify allowable metals, permit contemporary materials for rear additions and recommend samples for composite decking and columns; staff will refine language and return a final draft for member review.
The Historic Preservation Commission met to review draft updates to guidelines governing substitute materials, focusing on fences, windows, doors, decking, columns and roofs. Commissioners reviewed examples from other cities and preservation guidance to reconcile durability and historic character.
Commission members heard research that many comparable historic-district guidelines prohibit vinyl fences because their appearance is inconsistent with historic character. A presenter said, "In in in all cases, the appearance of a vinyl fence does not fit the character of the historic district," and commissioners broadly agreed that vinyl is generally inappropriate when visible from the street. One member urged positive wording: "Fences shall be of wood, metal, or brick," rather than listing what is prohibited.
On windows and doors, the commission cited Preservation Brief 16 and Secretary of the Interior standards, noting that new additions and non-visible elevations can use substitute materials if differentiated and compatible with the original building. A staff member pointed out that federal tax-credit projects are reviewed by State Historic Preservation Offices and the National Park Service and that those programs require replacement appearance to be consistent with the buildings type and period, which could limit substitute materials on some commercial or tax-credit-eligible projects.
Members generally signaled more flexibility for rear or tertiary elevations and for new additions: composite decking and fiberglass or composite rear doors could be allowed when applicants supply evidence that repair is impractical or that a component is structurally unsound. Several commissioners said applicants should provide samples when proposing composite decking or railing materials. The commission also discussed repair-before-replace principles for front porches and the use of lime mortar for historic brick repairs: one member stressed, "If old bricks were installed with lime mortar, it's a must to go back with lime mortar."
The panel discussed columns and local capacity to produce period-appropriate replacements, and a presenter noted a local woodshop equipped to manufacture replacement columns, suggesting the commission keep a list of local craftspeople for applicant referrals.
On roofs, members debated color guidance and the difference between standing-seam metal roofs and less durable corrugated metal panels; concerns centered on ridge vents and visible seams that can change a historic roofs profile. Several members suggested researching a "good-better-best" spectrum of acceptable options to balance historic appearance and cost.
The commission did not adopt final language at the meeting. Members directed staff and the drafting presenter to refine the guidelines, include specific examples and samples where relevant, and return a consolidated final draft for another review. The commission also requested clearer language for applicants on when materials can be proposed as part of an addition versus when changes must come before the board.
