Commission denies doorway alteration for appliance business at 100 South Pollock Street

The Selma Appearance Commission voted July 20 to deny a Certificate of Appropriateness for 100 South Pollock Street, concluding that cutting a new doorway in the rear exterior wall would change the historic fabric of the building.

A business representative attending the hearing said the storefront cannot use its front doors for sales or loading and that a rear metal doorway is necessary to load and unload large appliances. A representative (Lubna, speaking on behalf of her stepfather) and property owner Jose both said the restriction on opening the front doors has cost the business money.

Staff explained that a restriction on opening the front doors had been imposed as a zoning matter at the direction of the town manager and that the Appearance Commission’s authority is limited to exterior appearance and COAs. Megan, the staff member who swore witnesses and advised the commission, told applicants that code enforcement or the Town of Selma planning department would be the appropriate contacts for questions about door‑use rules and permits.

Commissioners said creating a new doorway represents a structural change to the historic exterior that the commission seeks to avoid. After the close of evidence, Miss Rainer moved to deny the COA; Miss Smith seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

The transcript records some inconsistent technical details about proposed doorway dimensions in testimony; staff did not record a final approved opening size, and applicants were advised to pursue zoning or permit clarifications with the town if they intend to pursue a different approach.