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Commission adopts minor‑works clarifications and gives interim guidance on aluminum fencing fasteners
Summary
The commission approved staff's revisions to the minor‑works list and provided interim guidance that "concealed fasteners" in aluminum fabrications should be interpreted as concealed from street (public) view until the historic guidelines are revised.
The New Bern Historic Preservation Commission adopted staff‑proposed clarifications to the minor‑works list and gave staff an interim interpretation of guideline 5.3.4, which governs aluminum fabrications and concealed fasteners.
Staff proposed two additions to the minor‑works list to clarify (1) that certain amendments to minor COAs are themselves minor works and (2) that exchanges of congruous materials (e.g., Hardy board for wood) may be handled as minor work in appropriate cases. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the staff resolution to update the minor‑works list; the motion was seconded and carried with one recorded opposition. The change takes effect immediately and applies to pending applications.
Separately, staff presented photographic examples and asked the commission whether "blind mechanical connections having concealed fasteners" means no fasteners visible from any vantage or only none visible from the public/street view. Commissioners, the commission architect and staff discussed technical options, examples in the district and the practicality and cost of available systems. One commissioner noted there are non‑conforming fences in the district installed without permission and cautioned against using those as precedent.
Staff said a minor application is pending that proposes an aluminum fence with fasteners on the interior side only; commissioners debated whether to require hidden fasteners everywhere or accept interior‑side fasteners if they are color‑matched and not visible from the street. After discussion, the majority indicated an interim direction that "concealed fasteners" should be interpreted as concealed from street (public) view, and staff will apply that interpretation for pending minor COAs until the guidelines are formally revised. Staff emphasized that applicants are still expected to meet the guidelines and that the Commission will continue to refine wording in the upcoming guidelines update.
Commissioners asked staff to research peer cities’ language and to prepare proposed edits that clarify intent so the rule can be applied consistently going forward.
