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Owner agrees to lower fence, stucco block wall; commission approves gate and windows with conditions
Summary
After lengthy debate about a leaning brick wall and adjacent parking, the commission approved a revised plan to replace a failing brick wall with a 6‑foot wooden fence, require stucco on an altered cinder‑block wall, and permit a powder‑coated steel driveway gate and tempered glass on porch casements.
A contested application to replace a failing brick wall and alter yard boundaries won conditioned approval from the Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission on June 10 after the owner agreed to reduce fence height and modify materials.
Wesley Crunkleton asked to remove a 72‑foot leaning brick wall and install new eight‑foot wood fencing, raise a rear cinder‑block wall to eight feet, add a six‑foot driveway gate and install tempered glass in two enclosed porch casements. Staff and neighbors described a nearby townhouse project and existing tall fencing on adjacent lots; photos showed the existing brick wall was cracked and leaning.
Commission discussion focused on height and materials. Commissioners repeatedly said the design guidelines generally favor six‑foot fences in rear yards and expressed reluctance to approve an eight‑foot perimeter. After extended negotiation the owner agreed to reduce fence height to six feet, stucco the cinder‑block section to soften its appearance and proceed with a powder‑coated steel gate. Chair Kathy Pagani confirmed to the applicant that the commission would record the lowered height and stucco condition in the approval.
Public commenters, including neighbor Kelly Fitz, supported removing the failing brick for safety but urged sensitivity to materials and patterns that match the district. Fitz said stucco would help the cinder block appear compatible and noted the longer‑term visibility of the boundary elements.
The commission voted to approve the package with the condition that all new wooden fences be no taller than six feet and that the cinder block be given a stucco finish to better match the property. Staff will perform a final inspection and the applicant must coordinate changes with city staff before construction.
