South Dennis commission approves white cedar picket fence for 325 Main Street

The South Dennis Historic District Commission on May 20 approved historic application 26-182 to install a 3-foot-high cedar picket fence at 325 Main Street.

Applicant McDonald described the proposal as a 36-inch wooden picket fence, roughly 76 feet long and set about 10 feet back from the street, with straight pickets on the main runs and a scalloped top on the gate. "We're proposing a 36 inch wooden fence..." McDonald said during the online presentation, adding the fence will be solid-stained white and built by local contractor ProSense.

The Commission asked for specific construction details before voting. Members discussed post caps, rails, hardware color and gate operation; McDonald said the posts would be 4-by-4 and the picket height would be 3 feet. He said the plan was to stain the fence solid white before installation and that black hardware would be used. On caps, McDonald said caps would likely be wooden and low-profile; the motion recorded that low-peak hip caps would be included in the approval.

Committee member S5 moved to accept the application "as presented" — describing a 3-foot-high picket fence with 4x4 posts, single gate, scalloped gate top, solid white stain on cedar, and low-peak hip caps — and the motion was seconded. Chair called the vote and those present voiced assent; the motion passed.

The applicant noted a preliminary property-line review by the fence company that suggested the house property line sits a few feet inside the sidewalk; McDonald said he would confirm the exact line before installation. The Commission also asked staff to ensure the final installed dimensions match the approved plans.

The Commission's approval allows the owner to proceed with construction subject to any required town permitting and verification of as-built placement. The applicant thanked the Commission and said he would proceed with scheduling and confirm final measurements.