Historic commission approves fence at 242 North Rowlett Street with material condition

The Collierville Historic District Commission on May 28 approved a certificate of appropriateness that allows a 6-foot rear-yard fence at 242 North Rowlett Street, subject to conditions that restrict the fence material to natural wood or cellular PVC and require screening and other conditions in the staff recommendation.

Staff planner Maria presented the case, noting the JR Irby house on the lot is a contributing structure in the historic district and that the design guidelines list iron, wood, plantings, brick and stone as appropriate fence materials while allowing vinyl only in limited circumstances. "The guidelines do say vinyl fencing may be appropriate in certain circumstances," Maria said, but she also pointed commissioners to prior approvals and cautioned about visibility from the street.

Applicant Dennis Adenier told the commission the rear yard is set back well from the street, that he selected a white vinyl bridal-style fence to serve as a swimming-pool barrier and that the vinyl option was substantially less expensive than cellular PVC. "We had proposed a white bridal fence," Adenier said, adding that mature trees and additional shrubs would provide screening.

Commissioners debated the fence's visual impact and precedent for the district. One commissioner said vinyl can appear like a "solid wall" and risk eroding the historic character if allowed generally; another suggested cellular PVC or a design with spacing between vertical boards as possible compromises. "If we start laying on vinyl here, what's the next case that comes and says, we want to put a vinyl fence in our backyard?" the chairman said during deliberations.

A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness subject to staff conditions — including that the fence material be natural wood or cellular PVC (or similar approved alternative) and that screening and specific installation conditions be met — passed on a roll-call vote.

The approved motion requires the applicant to comply with conditions 1–4 provided in the staff packet and allows staff to verify material and finish details. The commission did not vote to permit plain vinyl as presented without the material change and screening requirements.