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Board approves 7-foot fence and small guard house at executive residence
Summary
After a presentation citing a U.S. Secret Service security study, the building board approved a 10x14 guard house and a 7-foot replacement fence along the executive residence’s east property line; the board discussed salvage of historic iron fencing and camera placement.
The Maple Bluff Building Board approved a proposal from the Department of Administration to install a small guard house and replace the east-line fence at the state executive residence, after staff described security recommendations from a U.S. Secret Service study.
Tom List, presenting for the Department of Administration, said the guard house would be modest—about 10 by 14 feet with an overhang—and used intermittently by Capitol Police personnel to support screenings during events. He said the intention was to match the guard house to the residence architecturally and that the new fence would replace an existing 4–5-foot fence with a 7-foot security fence that matches fences on the other property lines.
Planner Mark explained that the executive residence is treated as a unique property under the zoning ordinance and that the code allows the building board to approve security-related accessory structures for this site without a Board of Zoning Appeals variance. Mark described the guard house footprint as roughly 230 square feet including the overhang and noted masonry piers to match an existing north gate.
Neighbors and board members raised salvage and streetscape concerns about the historic iron fence (described in the hearing as dating to the 1870s and reinstalled in the 1970s). One neighbor recommended contacting salvage/restoration firms; the presenters said they would retain a 20-foot section and consult the state historical society. The proposal also includes several new cameras; staff said cameras are oriented to monitor the fence line and drive access, not to intentionally surveil neighboring private yards.
A motion to approve the guard house and fence as presented passed by voice vote. The transcript records the approval but does not list a roll-call tally; the building board and staff discussed salvage options and plan-sheet camera details before final approval.
