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Fernandina Beach Historic District Council approves addition at 501 Cedar Street with tree-preservation condition
Summary
The Historic District Council granted final approval for a two-story accessory dwelling and garage at 501 Cedar Street, approving the certificate with a condition to retain a 24-inch oak tree on the west side of the driveway; the vote was 5–0.
The Fernandina Beach Historic District Council on July 18 approved a final certificate of approval for an addition and two‑story accessory dwelling with a garage at 501 Cedar Street, imposing a condition that a 24‑inch oak tree on the west side of the driveway be retained.
Director Gibson presented the staff recommendation, saying the proposal complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for rehabilitation and with the Fernandina Beach downtown historic district guidelines, the comprehensive plan and the city’s development code. Gibson noted staff had corrected an internal checklist entry and that materials supporting the application were on file for the record.
Architect Michael Stauffer, the applicant’s agent, told the council the final plans closely match the conceptual approval the board granted in March and that the only design change was the addition of front‑porch railings "because the owners have small children and wanted to be a little cautious." Board members questioned materials and details including existing window types, decking materials and porch guardrail spacing; Stauffer said the design team sought to differentiate the addition from the original structure while maintaining a compatible massing and roofline.
A committee member moved "to approve HDC case number 20240004 with the following condition that the 24 inch oak tree on the west side of the driveway is to remain and not be omitted," and to make the findings of fact and conclusions of law part of the record. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote of five in favor and none opposed.
The council also requested that the project drawings be corrected to reflect the agreed tree‑protection notation.
Under the quasi‑judicial procedures explained earlier in the meeting, written findings of fact will be prepared and signed by the chair within several business days; any appeal of the council’s decision must be filed in the circuit court within 30 days of those written findings.
