Fernandina Beach Historic District Commission approves rear addition, ADU/garage, new home and portable spa with fence to be reviewed by staff

The Fernandina Beach Historic District Commission on Dec. 19 approved four applications for certificates of appropriateness, including a rear addition, a new garage with a second‑floor accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a new single‑family home and a portable spa, and attached conditions in two cases.

Staff presented each application and recommended approval after review against the Old Town district guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior standards. For HDC2024‑0007 (11 South 7th Street), staff described a 130‑square‑foot rear addition, new wood steps, Marvin windows and related repairs; the board approved the amendment without conditions.

The board approved HDC2024‑0030 (332 South 6th Street), a two‑car garage with a second‑floor ADU and an associated deck, with a condition requiring that an existing curb cut and the right of way where the old curb cut sits be restored and planted. Architect Michael Stauffer told the commission the project is a two‑step effort: "The goal right now is to build the ADU so they can live in it," he said, explaining the homeowners will move into the ADU while the main house is renovated.

For HDC2024‑0031 (lots 13–14, Block 7), the commission granted final approval for a 1,483‑square‑foot cottage described by applicant Hope Bosworth as intended "for my parents," noting the design and scale meet Old Town standards.

HDC2024‑0032 (606 Cedar Street), an application to place a portable spa between a house and an accessory dwelling and to install a fence to meet barrier requirements, generated extended discussion about fence location and detail. Applicant Susan Dorner described the spa location as "between these two windows" behind the steps and said she specified a 6‑foot fence "because I wasn't sure if you have a spa, if a little child would go in and want to go swimming." After back‑and‑forth about the sketchy site plan, the board approved the spa with a condition that the fence be submitted to staff for review and approval, including materials, dimensions, gate location and how the fence will terminate and screen an air‑conditioning unit.

Votes at a glance - HDC2024‑0007 (11 S. 7th St.): Motion to approve without conditions; approved (roll call). - HDC2024‑0030 (332 S. 6th St.): Motion to approve with condition that the existing curb cut/right of way be restored and planted; approved (roll call). - HDC2024‑0031 (Lots 13 & 14, Block 7): Motion to approve without conditions (final approval); approved (roll call). - HDC2024‑0032 (606 Cedar St.): Motion to approve the spa with conditions that the spa be located on the existing paved platform and that fence plans be submitted to staff for review and approval (materials, dimensions, gate, termination); approved (roll call).

Why it matters The approvals allow property owners to proceed with renovations and small infill construction in Fernandina Beach's Old Town while the commission signaled it will require clear documentation when an exterior feature (a fence, curb cut or replacement material) has potential public‑realm impacts. The condition requiring restoration and planting where an old curb cut is removed is intended to preserve right‑of‑way character and tree canopy.

What’s next Applicants may proceed to permitting consistent with the conditions the commission placed on approvals. The spa fence at 606 Cedar Street must be returned to staff with a detailed drawing for administrative review; if staff cannot resolve outstanding concerns, the matter may return to the commission.