Historic zoning panel approves exterior lighting packages, allowing gas fixtures over staff advice

The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission voted on June 8 to approve exterior lighting packages for properties on South Margin Street and Miles Manor Court, choosing to permit some gas‑fueled fixtures over staff recommendations that the fixtures be electric and reduced in scale.

Staff had recommended electric fixtures for both properties as the more historically appropriate source for houses built in the early 20th century. At 424 South Margin Street, staff noted the proposed front fixture was 24 inches tall and recommended a smaller scale and electric operation. Applicant Hudson Walker argued the fixture contributes to the street ambience and offered to scale the fixture down to 21 inches; he also noted several neighboring houses already display gas fixtures. Commission discussion focused on historical authenticity, fixture scale and materials; one commissioner emphasized that Franklin did not receive natural gas service until 1957, and urged choices that reflect what would have been available when the house was built.

The commission approved the South Margin Street application with staff conditions but voted to except staff recommendation number two (the requirement that the fixtures be electric), allowing gas fixtures. That motion passed 5–1.

At 121 Miles Manor Court, the multipiece application included four proposed lanterns (a mix of gas and electric), driveway and porch changes, and fencing. After breaking the application into submotions, the commission approved doors, gutters, porches, fencing and sidewalks with staff conditions. For the lighting package specifically, a motion to approve the fixtures as submitted — including gas fixtures on the rear and one front lantern proposed as gas — passed 4–2. Commissioners who opposed the lighting package cited concerns about period appropriateness and fixture scale; others said the chosen fixtures would complement the renovated facades.

Both votes overrode staff guidance on fuel source while leaving other staff conditions intact (materials, fixture placement and scale guidance). Commissioners directed staff to work with applicants on final sizing and materials where the panel asked for clarification.

The commission’s decisions mean several historically‑sensitive properties will be allowed to install gas‑fired decorative lanterns in locations staff had recommended be electric, while staff retains final approval on specific fixture sizing and material details.