HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-01-2018 Agenda HDC Regular Meeting
Agenda
Historic District Commission
7 p.m. August 1, 2018
Town Annex Board Meeting Room, 105 E. Corbin St.
Public charge: The Hillsborough Historic District Commission pledges to the citizens of Hillsborough its respect.
The commission asks members of the public to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner with the
commission members and with fellow citizens. At any time should any member of the commission or any citizen
fail to observe this public charge, the chair or the chair’s designee will ask the offending person to leave the
meeting until that individual regains personal control. Should decorum fail to be restored, the chair or the chair’s
designee will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge can be
observed.
1.Call to order, roll call, and confirmation of quorum
2.Commission’s mission statement
To identify, protect, and preserve Hillsborough’s architectural resources and to educate the public about
those resources and preservation in general. The Hillsborough Historic District presents a visual history of
Hillsborough’s development from the 1700s to the 1960s. In 1973, the town chose to respect that history
through the passage of the preservation ordinance creating the historic district.
3.Agenda changes
4.Minutes review and approval
A.Minutes from regular meeting on June 6, 2018 and the special meeting on July 9, 2018.
5.Election of Officers
A.Vice-Chairperson
6.Old business
A.None
7.New business
A.Certificate of Appropriateness Application: 211 E. Corbin St. — Applicants are Claude and Johanna Wilson
requesting to construct a façade-length front porch, to replace Masonite siding with hardie, to construct a
rear screened porch, to remove and replace several rear windows, and to remove and replace several
existing mature shrubs (Orange County PIN 9874-19-7062).
B.Certificate of Appropriateness Application: 144 E. Tryon St. — Applicant is East Tryon Properties, LLC,
requesting to stain and repair existing brick walls, to remove and replace existing balconies and stairs with
new flat-roofed metal balconies and stairs, to change exterior light fixtures, to construct an entry concrete
sidewalk, to build a detached 4-car garage, to enlarge and replace front windows and change existing
entry doors to frosted glass doors (Orange County PIN 9874-16-1753).
Planner Justin Snyder
101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-296-9473 | justin.snyder@hillsboroughnc.gov
www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov
Historic District Commission Agenda | 1 of 2
C.Certificate of Appropriateness Application: 423 N. Cameron St. — Applicant is Lea Frederick on behalf of
Martin and Christina Usiak requesting to construct an in-ground pool with a bluestone patio, walkway,
and deck, and to add landscaping and a white wood six-foot tall privacy fence in the rear yard (Orange
County PIN 9874-18-2753).
D.Certificate of Appropriateness Application: 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. — Applicant is the Expedition School
on behalf of Eno River Mill, LLC, requesting to construct a wood beadboard-sided, pressure treated wood
shed with metal roll up doors to be attached to the rear of the existing building on an existing concrete
platform (Orange County PIN 9864-64-6207).
E.Certificate of Appropriateness After-The-Fact Application: 421 W. Corbin St. — Applicant is Frances Ray
requesting to remove the exterior siding and additions from an existing encroaching, non-conforming,
dilapidated mobile home, and to allow it to be removed from the property (Orange County PIN 9864-78-
2842).
F.Review: 324 W. Tryon St. — Property owners are Kay and Reed Johnson seeking approval of their
proposed landscaping plan to satisfy a previous Certificate of Appropriateness condition of approval
(Orange County PIN 9864-87-1005). Note: This is not a public hearing item.
G.Certificate of Appropriateness Application: 121 E. Tryon St. — Applicant is CH Architects on behalf of
Bryan Stuart and Kelly West, requesting to extend an existing rear porch, reconfigure the western gable
roof, extend an existing rear shed dormer, and to reconfigure a window on the western elevation (Orange
County PIN 9874-17-1045).
8.Updates
A.Rules of Procedure and Minor Works Revisions
9.Adjournment
Historic District CommissionAgenda | 2 of 2
Minutes
Historic District Commission Meeting
7 p.m. June 6, 2018
Town Barn, 101 E. Orange St.
Present: Chair Reid Highley, Vice Chair Brad Farlow, Max Dowdle, Joe Griffin, Jill Heilman, Laura Simmons and
Virginia Smith
Staff: Town Attorney Bob Hornik and Planner Justin Snyder
Guests: Heath Blackwelder, Drew Blum, Camille Cover, Bradley Curelop, Stacey Curelop, Jason Dell, Tony
Dowling, Justin Fejfar, Chuck Ferguson, Kathleen Johnson, Reed Johnson, Charles Nordan, Joe Phelps,
Carol Rosemond, Will Spoon, David Swanson and Don Wells
Item 1: Call to order, roll call, and confirmation of quorum
Chair Reid Highley called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Planner Justin Snyder called the roll and confirmed the
presence of a quorum.
Item 2: Reading of the commission’s mission statement
Highley read the commission’s mission statement.
Item 3: Adjustments to the agenda
There were none.
Item 4: Approval of the minutes from the May 2, 2018, meeting
Motion: Heilman moved to approve the minutes with changes. Simmons seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Changes: Change “cast iron” on Page 5 to “metal”
Highley explained to the audience that the commission would not be accepting public comment this evening on
the proposed Colonial Inn renovations because the commission would only be making a preliminary review of the
plans and not considering an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness at this time.
Item 5: (Old Business) Continuation from the April 4, 2018, meeting of an application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness for Drees Homes on behalf of Elizabeth Walker to build a new 2,651-square-foot home with an
attached 479-square-foot side-entry garage and sunroom at 312 Mitchell St. (9874-17-9943).
Highley asked whether anyone on the commission had a conflict of interest regarding this application. No one did.
Highley asked whether there was anyone to speak who had not been sworn in at the first hearing on this matter,
acknowledging that the hearing was still open. Heath Blackwelder was sworn in.
Snyder entered his staff report for this item into the record and reviewed the changes the applicant was
proposing based on the commission’s feedback at the first public hearing on this proposed house.
Highley invited Blackwelder to add anything he wished. Blackwelder said he is the general manager of the custom
homes division of Drees Homes and his team made changes based on feedback at the April meeting. The design of
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the house has changed from a two-story home to a ranch-style home, which would extend the footprint of the
home and require the removal of the mature trees.
Highley asked whether there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak for or against this application.
Highley said everyone would be sworn in regardless of whether they were sworn in at the April meeting.
Bradley Curelop was sworn in. He said he believes the proposed changes would address the concern about the
size of the house. He said the mature trees would have to be removed to fulfill the commission’s request that the
house be set back farther from the street, more in keeping with the adjacent houses. The landscape plan was
created by Drees and he and his wife wish to add several more trees to the plan, so they created their own plan
the previous evening. Bradley Curelop said his wife would be presenting their landscape plan.
Stacey Curelop was sworn in. She said the shrubs and trees Drees had proposed would remain except some
grasses would be replaced with gardenias. She indicated a plan to add more shrubs to screen the air conditioning
unit, an additional oak or maple, three crepe myrtles, and hydrangeas that would border the house. There was
clarification that the proposal includes removing a longleaf pine located close to the driveway and replacing it
with a hardwood.
It was clarified that the electric line for the house will be run underground.
Bradley Curelop said this is a custom-built house and a lot of features of this house would not be found on other
Drees Homes. He said although the roofline would only be about 3 feet shorter, the massing is smaller because
there would no longer be a second story. Also, the front porch would be extended out so the garage is not the
front feature of the house. The garage entry is now to the side. He showed photographs of houses in the area that
look to him to be more than 30 feet tall. He said in his opinion, his proposed house fits the character of the
neighborhood.
Highley invited others to speak.
Dave Swanson was sworn in. He said he and his wife live directly behind the proposed house. He said he has a
master’s degree in landscape architecture and he worked in Georgia for 10 years maintaining and enhancing
public areas. Swanson said the Drees development, Corbin Creek Woods, completely transformed the character of
East Corbin Street. Taking one of those homes and placing it in the older neighborhood would look out of place or
poorly conceived for the lot. This house belongs in a tract development and not on Mitchell Street, he said.
Swanson said the proposed house clearly does not meet the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines. He
shared a list of points he had extracted from the guidelines:
New buildings must contribute to and maintain the historical character of existing neighborhoods.
New buildings must respect and enhance the visual and spatial character of Hillsborough’s historic district.
Design new primary buildings to be compatible in height, roof forms, scale, massing, material, detail, and
proportion the street façade with surrounding buildings that contribute to the historic character of the
district.
Protect any trees and replace trees with like trees.
Use compatible window placement.
There is an emphasis in the guidelines on immediate surroundings, which he thinks means to compare
with other houses on Mitchell Street.
Swanson said although the house is now designed to be less tall, the footprint has grown. The roof is still out of
scale with any house in the neighborhood, he said. The span of the front gable is 48 feet. The attic is larger than
most houses on the street. For comparison, the span of any gable on Mitchell Street is 16 feet less (32 feet).
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Swanson said he inventoried the footprint of every house in the area to compare with the proposed footprint of
this project. He shared his visual comparison.
Stacey Curelop disagreed with Swanson’s visual comparison and said there are houses with a larger footprint than
her proposed house.
Town Attorney Bob Hornik questioned the scale used for the visual because he did not see the marked differences
in the aerial photographs that Swanson was presenting in his visual comparison. Swanson could not immediately
explain why the houses do not seem to vary greatly in the aerial photographs.
Swanson noted the 400 block of Mitchell Street has larger ranch homes, but even those are smaller than the
proposed house. He said usually if there is a 48-foot span in a house, it is broken into smaller gables. He said until
you address the scale of it, to him, there is no point in talking about the details.
Chuck Ferguson of Drees Homes was sworn in. Ferguson said he disagreed with Swanson’s visual presentation. He
said Drees Homes also builds townhomes and yet is not building a townhome on this lot. He reminded the
commission this is a custom-built home.
Carol Rosemond was sworn in. Rosemond said she cannot see how the home was specifically designed for the
property because such a design would have accounted for the mature trees. Rosemond cited pages 34 and 35 of
the design guidelines, which state that new buildings should respect and enhance the spatial character of the
neighborhood. Rosemond asked the commission to consider whether this new building would respect and
enhance the 300 block of Mitchell Street, which would be its immediate context. She said the discussion about
massing and scale got lost at the April meeting among discussion of materials. She reminded the commission that
the 300 block is a much older section than the 400 or 500 blocks and the homes are a smaller size than the other
blocks. She said the proposed house is out of scale and does not fit the character of the neighborhood. Also, the
side fenestration does not meet the character of the neighborhood.
Rosemond said the landscaping plan is improved but does not meet the guidelines. Clear-cutting the trees is not
appropriate. Multiple trees more than 50 years old would be removed, and the proposal to replace them with
crepe myrtles and shrubs does not satisfy the guideline requirements. She noted there is the potential for new
houses to be built on six vacant lots in this neighborhood and asked the commission to preserve the uniqueness
of this neighborhood and the historic district.
Don Wells was sworn in. He said he is still opposed to the proposed house because of the reasons stated at the
previous meeting and above. He said he, his wife, Darlene, and some neighbors sat down with the Curelops after
the last meeting.
Bradley Curelop said he thinks Don Wells has more of a problem with the Drees Homes name than with the
proposed house. Curelop shared an email he received from Wells after meeting with him, which expressed
concern about Drees Homes building the house, he said. Curelop said he believes the proposed house would look
like a Craftsman-style house.
Joe Phelps was sworn in. Phelps said he is the real estate agent assisting the property owner in selling the
property to the Curelops. Phelps also noted he had served as Hillsborough’s mayor for 10 years and had
experience with the Board of Adjustment and Historic District Commission. Phelps said he thinks the
neighborhood residents who oppose the house are opposed to Drees Homes building in the neighborhood. Phelps
cautioned against accepting Swanson’s visual presentation as factual testimony because measurements taken
from the GIS maps are not accurate. Phelps said someone mentioned to Bradley Curelop after the last meeting
that he should talk with the homebuilder Charles Woods about building the house. Phelps noted that Woods also
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cut down the trees on his lot and that trees are often damaged during construction, so it is better to remove them
before construction begins. Phelps said Bradley Curelop had shared with him the email Curelop had received from
Don Wells. Phelps added that the commission cannot choose the builder.
Hornik agreed that the commission cannot prefer one homebuilder over another.
Phelps said he reviewed the minutes from the meeting when Charles Woods was seeking a Certificate of
Appropriateness for the house he is building on Thomas Ruffin Street. Phelps noted only two people from the
neighborhood spoke regarding that house and one spoke in support of the house. Phelps does not see much
difference between the Charles Woods house and this one. He believes the reason the neighbors are speaking
against this house is because the builder is Drees Homes. Phelps noted that Drees Homes employs many people.
Charles Nordan was sworn in. Nordan asked for a show of hands from the audience of who lives in the
neighborhood. He pointed out that Phelps does not live in the neighborhood. He said Swanson’s presentation was
from the heart. Nordan said the house he has lived in since 1986 is only 1,500 square feet and he raised two sons
there.
Blackwelder said he takes it personally that there is concern about Drees Homes. He has worked for Drees Homes
for 13 years. He thinks noting that Drees Homes built Corbin Creek Woods should be stricken from the record. He
said the custom home division is a separate division. He noted Ferguson and Phelps already noted that Swanson’s
visual does not appear to be to the correct scale. He said the trees have to be removed to set the home back on
the lot. Blackwelder said he wondered whether the plan would get this kind of reaction if another builder had
submitted it.
Highley said the email sent from the town planner to Drees after the April meeting, and included in the agenda
packet, would be used to make sure all the discussion points are raised.
Snyder reminded the commission that it can only consider factual testimony and not third-party testimony or
hearsay evidence.
Landscaping
Regarding landscaping, a commission member requested that the driveway be screened with plantings between
the driveway and the property line. Snyder checked with Stacey Curelop whether she wished to replace the Drees
landscaping plan with the one she presented. Curelop said the Drees landscaping plan is more accurate and she
was just adding to it. It was noted that Guideline 10 under Walkways, Driveways and Off-Street Parking states the
driveway should be screened with perimeter plantings. Stacey Curelop proposed an evergreen shrub border in an
L-shape.
There was discussion of keeping the cedar tree and conclusion that there was not a way to protect the tree to the
dripline of its canopy.
Commission members noted that the commission had requested the house be pushed back. Simmons asked how
the new distance from Mitchell Street compares with the neighbors’ houses. Snyder answered it would be in line
with the Wells’ home and about 5 feet closer to the street than Rosemond’s house. There was agreement that the
proposed location of the house is more consistent with the setbacks of adjacent houses.
Size, scale and mass of the house
Swanson explained he looked at the aerial photographs on the county GIS maps and used the tool on the county
GIS website to measure the walls of the houses. He then looked at the dimensions from the tax records. He said
some were wrong and went by the photograph instead of the written measurement. That is how he checked his
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work. He said sometimes the photographs are hard to see because of the shadows. Highley said the neighboring
homes look accurate compared with one another. He said if the proposed home is on the same scale, then there
is a big discrepancy. Swanson agreed.
Phelps said the shadows affect the measurements on the county GIS maps. He said the commission cannot use
Swanson’s visual presentation as factual testimony.
Snyder said the photographs are taken at different elevations so there is always some discrepancy. It’s the best
visual representation that the county can get of a large area. Planners do not put a lot of stock in it showing an
accurate scale, and the property lines are usually inaccurate as well.
Highley asked the commission whether there is concern that the house is covering too much of the lot. Heilman
and Highley said it does not seem to have too large of a footprint relative to the size of the lot. Vice Chair Brad
Farlow said the applicant did a good job of reducing the scale. Smith agreed.
Snyder reminded the Curelops that the HVAC units must meet the setbacks, be screened, and be located behind
the front line of the house.
Highley asked the commission for comments regarding the massing of the home. Simmons asked whether the
applicant would consider further lowering the roofline. Farlow said he thinks the 8/12 pitch is needed for the
Craftsman-style house. With a lower roofline, it would look like a ranch.
Highley said the north elevation is still a little difficult because it is 60 feet long with no break in the plane along
the higher elevation. That concern still remains. Smith said Page 35, No. 7 addresses this. Stacey Curelop
explained the bump-out to the right of the garage is a family foyer for hanging coats. She planned for a small
window to have room for a bulletin board, but she would be willing to install a large window that matches the
others. Commission members expressed a preference for that change to include a larger window. Smith
expressed a preference for more windows on the north elevation. Stacey Curelop said there is a small window on
that elevation to give privacy to the bathtub area in the master bath. Stacey Curelop said she could place a
window in the closet, but there would still be a straight wall. Bradley Curelop said that is why they would screen
the entire house with trees and shrubs. Simmons said that for privacy, the small window in the bathroom makes
sense.
Highley reviewed that on the south elevation, there is a suggested exchange of the small window for a larger
window like the triple window on the right. Smith said the photograph of the future garage door shows faux
hinges. Blackwelder said it was brought up last time and the faux hinges can be removed. Smith also said the
surface of the garage door cannot have a faux wood grain. It should have a smooth finish.
Highley said there are two concerns about the north elevation. One is for more windows. The other concern is the
length of the elevation without any variation. Highley asked if the casings on the windows would be flat. The
applicant answered positively and said they would be all-wood windows. Simmons asked what size the flat piece
of trim would be around the casings. She added that most of the homes in that area are trimmed with 3- or 4-inch
trim. The applicant said those windows can be trimmed. Farlow said one thing that helps the front side look like a
Craftsman-style house is the large horizontal piece of trim. He suggested continuing that around the sides and
back of the house to break down the size and scale of those elevations. Farlow wondered about placing board-
and-batten gable on the back of the house, too, to bring the scale down. The applicant agreed to make Farlow’s
suggested changes. Farlow noted if trim were added to the windows on the rear of the house, the windows may
have to be re-spaced to accommodate the trim. Highley checked that the applicant was willing to do that. The
applicant agreed. Blackwelder said the triple window may have to be changed to a double window to
accommodate the trim or the trim may have to be smaller with trim around all three windows. Stacey Curelop
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said it looks better with window trim around all three than around each individual window in the triple window
section. The commission agreed. Simmons asked for clarification on 3 inches or 4 inches of trim. The applicant
said the trim size would be 4 inches for all windows and doors on the home.
Highley noted changes to the east elevation (rear of the house) including trim consistent around all windows and
doors, the horizontal trim continuation around the sides and rear, and a board-and-batten gable.
Highley suggested discussing the west, or front, elevation before returning to the north elevation discussion. He
checked the intention of the brick spacing to look like columns that go all the way down. He wondered if it was a
rendering issue. Blackwelder said the front porch wall would be recessed between the columns. Highley said the
variation in plane helps. When asked about capping the columns, the applicant preferred rowlock brick to cap the
columns. A commission member reviewed that in April, the applicants proposed the three windows to have a
reflective barrier or coating. The applicant confirmed that these proposed windows would be normal windows
without that treatment. A commission member checked that the smaller window in the gable had also been
changed to a typical window. The applicant confirmed that. Highley checked whether a railing would be required.
The applicant said it would be, and that it would be pressure-treated wood and painted to match the trim. There
would be railings between the columns on the front porch, even though it was not on the elevation drawings.
Blackwelder showed a visual of 2-inch-by-2-inch square balusters.
The discussion then returned to the north elevation. Stacey Curelop proposed a trellis between the large window
and small window. Snyder said a trellis can be approved as a minor work. Highley said the commission wants it to
be a condition of approval. A commission member asked it to be the width of two windows. Stacey Curelop
agreed. Highley asked if there is a reason the head height is lower than the other window. When it was noted
there wasn’t a reason, he asked whether the proposed bottom of the window could stay where it is but the
window’s height be extended to match that of the other windows on that elevation. Farlow asked if it could be a
half window, with the same result that Highley was intending. The Curelops agreed to extend the height of that
window. Highley asked if, with those changes, the commission felt there was enough variation to be consistent
with the guidelines. Simmons asked for this window to be the same size as one on the west elevation. It would be
a four-lite window to match the rest of the house. Highley said the most important thing is that the top of the
window match the others on that elevation.
Highley continued to review the points listed in Snyder’s email and invited comments from the board. There were
no comments.
There was a question from the audience whether there could be further discussion on the setback of the house.
Highley said he thought the footprint moving a few feet in any direction would be approvable by Snyder.
Motion: Smith moved to close the public hearing. Dowdle seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Highley moved to find as fact that the Drees Homes application is in keeping with the overall
character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the
commission’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in Section 3.12.3 of the
Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with the Historic District Design
Guidelines: New Construction of Primary Buildings; Site Features and Plantings; New Construction of
Outbuildings and Garages; and Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking. Simmons seconded.
Vote: 6-1 (Griffin)
Motion: Highley moved to approve as modified. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 6-1 (Griffin)
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Conditions: The applicants shall add landscaping along the driveway as noted to their modified plan presented at
the meeting as an overlay to the originally submitted plan; the HVAC units shall meet the setbacks,
be screened, and be located behind the front line of the house; the foyer window on the south
elevation shall be enlarged to match the size and pane configuration of one of the sunroom
windows, and the head height of the revised window shall align with the sunroom windows; the
garage door shall be a smooth texture and shall have absolutely no faux wood grain or faux door
hardware on the exterior; 4-inch flat wood trim shall be added around all windows and doors on all
elevations; the rear elevation shall have vertical board-and-batten Hardie siding matching that of the
front elevation as well as horizontal trim boards as drawn at the meeting on all rear gable ends; the
brick porch walls shall be recessed between the brick columns on the front porch; rowlock brick shall
cap all brick front porch columns; 2-inch-by-2-inch pressure-treated wood square baluster railings
painted the color of the trim shall be placed between front porch columns per the revised front
elevation submitted by the applicants at the meeting; a wood trellis shall be built between the small
window and the double windows on the north elevation as agreed to by the applicants; and the
small bathroom window on the north elevation shall be enlarged to match the size and pane
configuration of the window over the side-entry garage on the front elevation.
Item 6: (New Business) Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for CH Architects on behalf of Elizabeth
and Glenn Dicker to build a side and rear addition with MasterRib roofing and a stone chimney, to re-configure
existing window and door openings, to remove a concrete pad and shed, and to construct a new detached
front-entry, two-car garage at 318 W. Queen St. (9864-87-2602).
Motion: Heilman moved to open the public hearing. Simmons seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Highley said he needed to recuse himself from this item due to a conflict of interest.
Motion: Heilman moved to recuse Highley. Dowdle seconded.
Vote: 6-0
Farlow assumed the role of chair.
Snyder entered the staff report into the public record and summarized the application.
Reid Highley was sworn in to represent the applicant. Highley said it appeared the narrative did not make it into
the agenda packet. He said the MasterRib roof on the house is not old and, therefore, it makes sense to match the
existing roof rather than replace the current roof or have a mismatch of roofs. Highley said the stone was a client
preference and he thinks it is appropriate for this architecture. The marriage of stone and brick is common in a
Craftsman-style house. He shared examples in the district.
Farlow asked whether there was anyone present to speak for or against this application.
William Spoon was sworn in. He said he wondered what was being done to prevent stormwater from running to
his lot, and he requested that any outdoor lights be directed down and/or interior to the lot so that light would
not spill onto his lot.
Highley said downspouts would be piped underground and drain to the ditch along the street. He said there
would be a lantern-style light next to the garage door and next to the front door. He was not aware of any
security lighting. He checked with the property owner who said no. William Spoon asked if the stone patio would
be lit. Highley said no lighting was planned at this time.
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Highley then answered questions from the commission. Heilman asked if Highley would consider not using
MasterRib on the garage. Highley said the thought with the garage was to be consistent with the main house and
that would be more appropriate. Highley said using a different roof may not only introduce a different profile but
also a different color and, therefore, may make the garage stand out more than intended. He explained where the
garage will be located on the site plan.
Heilman said it is such a pure Craftsman-style home, she thinks the stone chimney is characteristic of that style
home. She is very comfortable with it. Highley said one of the existing chimneys has been plastered over at some
point. When asked, he said the chimney would have a stone cap. Tapering the chimney is to reduce the bulky look
and is common to the Craftsman style, Highley said.
Highley said the concrete pad is approximately 8 feet squared and would be removed. He said someone wants to
move the shed to a site outside of the historic district. The shed is not historic in any way.
Regarding the proposed fencing, Highley pointed out where it would be between the curving brick wall and the
house, approximately 15 feet behind the front of the house, with another short section from the northeast corner
of the screened porch running to the wall of the garage. Between the garage and the existing privacy fence, the
Dickers would like to extend the privacy fence and that would screen their trash and recycling. Heilman said there
is a picket fence in front of this house and proximate to the location of the proposed fence. Highley said the
existing fence is only to screen the HVAC unit. Heilman asked why the applicant wouldn’t consider a wood picket
fence. Highley said it’s a client preference. Simmons said last month’s approval of a contemporary fence was for a
contemporary house. This is a Craftsman-style house and the picket fence would be appropriate. Heilman agreed.
Farlow agreed. There was consensus among the commission for a more traditional style of fencing. The owners
wanted to be able to see through the fence but were OK with pickets as long as they could be spaced far enough
apart to see through them.
Highley explained that a proposed smaller window was for a powder room. The door would be a Craftsman-style
paneled door.
Motion: Dowdle moved to close the public hearing on this item. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 6-0
Motion: Heilman moved to find as fact that the Elizabeth and Glenn Dicker application is in keeping with the
overall character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based
on the commission’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in Section 3.12.3 of
the Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with the Historic District Design
Guidelines: Additions to Existing Buildings; Roofs; New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages;
Relocation of Existing Buildings; Site Features and Plantings; Fences and Walls; Windows and Doors;
Exterior Walls; Porches, Entrances, and Balconies; Paint and Exterior Color; Walkways, Driveways, and
Off-Street Parking; and Exterior Lighting. Smith seconded.
Vote: 6-0
Motion: Heilman moved to approve as modified. Simmons seconded.
Vote: 6-0
Conditions: Proposed 5-foot aluminum fencing shall be replaced with 4-foot wood picket fencing in a Craftsman
style.
Item 7: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for William Spoon to screen in an existing carport and
add a wood landing and steps at the rear of 310 W. Queen St. (9864-87-4609).
Motion: Heilman moved to open the public hearing. Dowdle seconded.
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Vote: 7-0
Highley asked whether there were any conflicts of interest regarding this application. There were none.
Highley asked if someone was present to speak for this application. Spoon came forward.
Snyder read the staff report into the public record.
Highley asked whether there was anyone to speak for or against the application. There was no one.
Spoon answered questions from the commission. There is a framing plan for building the wood floor of the
screened porch. The steps would be all wood.
Highley asked if the screened door in the packet is what Spoon was proposing. Spoon answered no. Highley said
the decorative spindles in the photograph are what one would see on a Victorian house and suggested changing
the screened porch door to a simple design. Spoon agreed to that modification.
Motion: Simmons moved to close the public hearing. Dowdle seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Farlow moved to find as fact that the William Spoon application is in keeping with the overall
character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the
commission’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in Section 3.12.3 of the
Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with the Historic District Design
Guidelines: Outbuildings and Garages; Exterior Walls; Porches, Entrances and Balconies. Smith
seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Farlow moved to approve the application as modified. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Conditions: The screened wood door shall be a 1-over-1 (two-paneled) design with no decorative spindles.
Item 8: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Tony Dowling to build a 384-square-foot shed and 4-
foot-tall wood picket fence at 328 Mitchell St. (9874-18-9223).
Motion: Simmons moved to open the public hearing. Dowdle seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Highley asked whether there were any conflicts of interest regarding this application. There were none.
Tony Dowling was sworn in.
Snyder read the staff report into the public record.
Dowling added that the fence on the east side, running from along the property line, is not a privacy fence. There
is a French Gothic style picket fence on the corner of Cameron and Caine streets. He said it is a standard style. He
likes the double pickets. On the side, he is happy to go to the property line, but visually he thinks it would have a
nice appeal if it ran halfway and screened the HVAC unit and recycling and trash receptacles.
Highley asked if there was anyone present to speak for or against the application. There was no one.
Page 9 of 16
Simmons questioned whether a 42-inch fence would be tall enough to screen the trash and recycling receptacles.
Snyder noted that the applicant’s plans did not show the fence extending all the way to the house along the
Mitchell Street elevation. He asked the applicant to confirm that the fence would go all the way to the house and
Dowling said the fence would go in front of the concrete pad for the HVAC unit and would connect to the house.
The commission then discussed the shed. Regarding the red color, Farlow noted his shed and a shed belonging to
one of his neighbors are also red. The commission expressed reservations about approving a Classic Rib roof.
Commission members expressed a preference for a 5V metal roof. Dowling was amenable to making that
modification. He would prefer for the roof color to be gray or white and not black. Dowling plans to use a salvaged
door on the shed. He plans for the door and trim to be white. The window on the front of the shed would be a
salvaged window. Highley asked if he would be willing to bring the window to Snyder for approval once he finds
what he wants. Dowling said that he would and that he would like to find a leaded stained-glass window. The
commission members said that was fine.
Commission members said they were fine with the French Gothic style double picket fence.
Motion: Simmons moved to close the public hearing. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Heilman moved to find as fact that the Tony Dowling application is in keeping with the overall
character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the
commission’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in Section 3.12.3 of the
Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with the Historic District Design
Guidelines: Fences and Walls; New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages; Paint and Exterior
Color. Farlow seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Heilman moved to approve the application as modified. Farlow seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Conditions: Shed shall have white doors and trim; roofing shall be 5V galvalume finish; the leaded glass window
shall be approved by staff prior to installation; and the double picket wood fence along Mitchell Street
shall extend in front of the HVAC unit to the house.
Item 9: After-the-fact application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Bold Construction on behalf of
Kathleen and Reed Johnson to construct a boulder wall, to remove a tree required by condition to be retained
within the stream buffer, to change the front and side doors, to add a stovepipe chimney visible from the front
elevation, to remove a side roof projection and change the roof line, and to reduce the size of a screened porch
at 324 W. Tryon St. (9864-87-1005).
Motion: Simmons moved to open the public hearing. Farlow seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Highley asked whether anyone had a conflict of interest regarding this application. No one did.
Jason Dell was sworn in.
Snyder read the staff report into the record, noting he would be summarizing at times because the staff report is
several pages long.
Page 10 of 16
Dell added that there is egress from the side porch. The texture on the garage door is not a stamped wood grain
linear pattern but a pock-marked grain pattern. It would be painted. Smith said the commission was not kidding
when it said no grain; that is what we tell everybody.
Dell said the lower boulder wall has been removed and the driveway has been shifted back to the left and to its
originally-designed width. He is surprised about the purported removal of the 22-inch oak tree, as it was not
shown as one to be removed and does not remember removing that tree. He would need to check his photo
documentation on that.
Dell said there was a mismatched grade line that brought the lower elevation closer to the front corner of the
house which compelled the builder to switch the garage to the left side in order to avoid having to build a
significant retaining wall.
Dell said regarding the chimney, the height cannot be reduced because it is the minimum height off the roof to
meet code for this specific fireplace. It is a wood-burning fireplace with additional technology that requires it to
be 5 feet off the roof, which puts it 2 feet above the ridgeline. Dell said he could build a chimney structure with
metal siding, which would leave 1 foot exposed if the Commission desired.
Highley suggested circling back to the garage door. He said a few months ago the commission approved a pebbled
texture on a garage door. He cannot tell from this picture whether it is faux wood grain. Highley said if it is faux
wood grain, then it was made clear the garage door could not have a faux wood grain. Snyder said he had also
sent an email reminding the applicant of this.
Kathleen Johnson was sworn in. Dell said the plan was to paint the garage door and make the wood grain go
away. Snyder re-read the condition of approval that there not be a grain. Highley asked the commission whether
it would be acceptable if the door is painted in a way that the wood grain is obscured. Commission members said
the requirement is for a smooth door and the paint would possibly not cover the wood grain.
Reed Johnson was sworn in. Johnson asked if he could try to sand the garage door and have Snyder come out to
inspect it. Snyder said he does not want to be in a position of determining whether the wood grain has been
sanded smooth. Dell proposed saying the door would be replaced with a smooth door or the grain would be
smoothed using a technique. The decision was made to require the garage door to be replaced with a smooth
door to meet the original approval condition.
Dell said the width on the screened porch was reduced by 6 feet and there is egress (it has steps). Highley said the
design is the same, but it is not as long. Commission members said Dell should have consulted Snyder about the
change, but it is not a substantial change. Snyder also asked about the egress from the porch that is missing. Dell
stated that they would be building that.
Highley said the angled side roof porch was changed. Snyder asked if the commission is OK with the new roofline
extended out. Highley did not object. Neither did other commission members.
Highley turned the discussion to the new front door. He said this is a very contemporary house with a lot of things
that are unusual architecturally. He does not think making the doors and windows like neighboring properties
would be appropriate. A comment was made that the intention of this house was to be a Craftsman-style house.
Highley said he would not describe this as a Craftsman-style house. Heilman said the door as originally drawn was
more consistent with the house’s overall architecture. Highley said he would agree with that. Kathleen Johnson
said she picked this door because it was more discreet than the door that was approved. Dowdle said the previous
door seems more in keeping with the character of the house and the neighborhood. Farlow said he originally
voted against this project and he is still against it. He said the house does not fit the character of the district
Page 11 of 16
overall. Highley noted the commission decided that the door has to be changed back to the originally-approved
door.
Highley asked for the commission’s thoughts on the double side doors. Commission members said the rain glass is
not appropriate as a window treatment. Dell asked if the existing doors would be appropriate if the glass is clear.
A majority of commission members said the doors could stay if they have clear or even frosted glass, or the
applicant could choose to replace the doors with the originally-approved doors.
Regarding the chimney, Dell had already explained that it has to be higher than he had originally thought. Highley
did not like the idea of creating a 2-foot-by-2-foot faux surround for the chimney. He would rather see the
chimney pipe. Reed Johnson said the chimney flue cannot be seen from the neighbor’s. Snyder said he took the
photograph from the neighbor’s property below the stream buffer.
Camille Cover was sworn in. She said she lives across the street and walks on this street frequently. She thinks the
chimney flue goes with the contemporary house and noted that the commission approved a contemporary house.
Commission members said they are OK with the chimney flue being taller than approved.
Regarding vertical posts added to the porch, Highley said it sounds like it was a practical concern. Dell said a
structural engineer said the vertical posts were needed. Commission members said the posts could stay.
Regarding the 20-inch oak tree, there was a letter from a certified arborist, so Highley said it seemed fairly clear-
cut. It was noted that Snyder should have been presented with the letter before the tree was removed.
Regarding the 22-inch oak tree, Dell said if it was on our plans to keep, we would not have taken it. He will look at
pre-construction photographs. Dell said the 15-inch oak is not on the original plans but on the revised plans. Reed
Johnson said there was extensive discussion about a diseased tree. The Johnsons said they tried to save a
diseased tree that ultimately had to be removed. They would not have knowingly taken out a healthy tree.
Heilman said a large area has been regraded and there is now a steep slope. There is no plan for replacing trees
and no proposal of what would be planted in the regraded area. Snyder quickly reviewed the revised landscaping
plan with Heilman. Heilman asked what size trees would be planted. Kathleen Johnson answered 1.5-inch caliper
trees. Simmons asked why the Johnsons were proposing to plant white oaks. Kathleen Johnson said an oak was
removed so she thought it should be replaced with an oak, and the white oaks drop acorns every year, which she
likes.
Heilman asked what happens to the steep slope now that the boulders have been removed from the lower
portion. Dell answered it is just a natural slope. Heilman said there are two trees on it and no plan to retain the
slope. Dell said that is correct. Kathleen Johnson said she would plant rye grass to temporarily hold the soil in
place and she would wait until the fall to plant replacement plantings. She would like to replace the plants that
there were there with plants such as Virginia creeper, natural viburnum, natural grasses and native ferns to hold
the soil in place. Heilman said that what is missing for her is a comprehensive landscaping plan. Highley said that
was not part of the original plan. Heilman said the original plan did not include disturbing this area. Kathleen
Johnson said she would bring the landscaping plan to a future meeting.
Regarding the retaining wall, part of it has been replaced by timbers, Dell said. Reed Johnson indicated which
portion of the boulder wall they planned to keep and where they planned to have a timbered terrace. The timbers
are proposed to be pressure-treated wood timbers, basically 6-by-6 railroad ties. Heilman asked if there was
thought to a masonry stone retaining wall to replace the boulders. Dell said we have thought about it and he is
not sure what the Johnsons would prefer. Dell said the boulder wall was chosen because it is natural and his
company uses it on other custom homes. Reed Johnson said there was a miscommunication about the boulders.
He said the Johnsons did not understand that Dell would bring in a lot of boulders. Smith cited Page 46 of the
Page 12 of 16
guidelines, specifically No. 8, that new fences and walls be designed and be compatible with other fences and
walls in the district. She said retaining walls in the district are usually not made of wood timbers. She cited a
recent example of a masonry wall built on West King Street, which was segmental block. Highley said this house is
woodsy and the intent is for it to blend in with its surroundings and a wood retaining wall would help it do that.
Smith said stone would be more in keeping with the historic district. Reed Johnson said he met with a hardscape
professional this week who is drawing up a stone wall plan. Commission members said that the wall design should
be tabled until the Johnsons can present those plans. Kathleen Johnson asked if this meant that they cannot move
into the house until the Historic District Commission approves the plans they need to bring back in August
(retaining wall and landscaping). There was discussion. Snyder explained the Certificate of Occupancy cannot be
issued until there is a Certificate of Appropriateness. Hornik said the Certificate of Appropriateness could be
approved tonight with conditions to bring back plans. Simmons noted there are stormwater approvals needed.
Snyder said he cannot sign off on the Certificate of Appropriateness until the stormwater division approves the
stormwater plan.
Heilman said she feels that there should be a comprehensive plan.
Snyder suggested a condition that the retaining wall be an engineered stone. Smith asked if Snyder could review
the retaining wall. Snyder said he could review it, but the commission needs to determine the material. Reed
Johnson expressed proposal for natural cut stone. There was agreement that Snyder would review the plan for
the stone retaining wall and approve it or send it to the Historic District Commission if he was not comfortable
approving it. There was agreement that the disturbed area would be temporarily planted with grass and that a full
landscaping plan would be submitted to Snyder.
Kathleen Johnson asked if they can keep the rocks that are original to the site. Commission members asked if they
are in their original places. Kathleen Johnson said no. Snyder suggested she include them in her landscaping plan.
Regarding the driveway and the little fence, Smith said the shorter fence height and split-rail design is
incongruous, but she understands them wanting to have something along the driveway. Commission members
suggested a vegetated border in lieu of a fence.
Highley said the stream buffer would be addressed by the stormwater division.
Regarding the steps from the driveway to the yard, Reed Johnson said the same stone used for the retaining wall
would be used. What is there now would be taken out.
Motion: Heilman moved to close the public hearing. Simmons seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Highley moved to find as fact that the Bold Construction application is in keeping with the overall
character of the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the
commission’s discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in Section 3.12.3 of the
Unified Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with the Historic District Design
Guidelines: Roofs; New Construction of Primary Buildings; Site Features and Plantings; Windows and
Doors; Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking; Porches, Entrances, and Balconies; Decks;
Fences and Walls. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 6-1 (Farlow)
Motion: Highley moved to approve the application as modified. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 6-1 (Farlow)
Page 13 of 16
Conditions: The garage door shall be removed and replaced with a smooth finish steel or fiberglass door with
absolutely no wood grain or texture; the area where the driveway was scaled back shall be restored
to a natural condition via a revised landscaping plan to be submitted for review and approval by the
Historic District Commission based on stormwater requirements for stream buffer mitigation; the
reduction of the driveway back to the approved location is approved; the removal of the lower
boulder wall is approved; the reduction in porch size is approved as submitted with egress via wood
steps as shown; the change in the roof line on the west elevation is approved as built; the front door
shall be removed and changed back to the original 5-glass panel mahogany wood door with clear,
etched, or frosted glass panes; the rain glass panes on the west elevation double fiberglass doors shall
be removed and replaced with clear, etched, or frosted glass (alternatively, the original design for the
doors may also be used with the same restrictions on the glass); the chimney flue may remain as built;
the additional vertical porch posts may remain as built; the 20-inch and 22-inch oak trees removed
without permission shall be mitigated by replanting a minimum of two 1.5-inch caliper white oak
trees on site; rye grass is to be planted where the additional driveway area was scaled back to
stabilize the slope and shall be supplemented with additional plantings to be approved by the Historic
District Commission as part of the revised landscaping plan submittal; all boulders not originally
located on the property shall be removed from the property, and an engineered plan for a natural cut
stone retaining wall shall be submitted to staff for review and approval prior to its construction along
with revised elevations and a picture of the stone to be used in the wall; the natural rock steps shall
be removed and replaced with natural cut stone matching the approved retaining wall stone and shall
be submitted to and reviewed by staff; original rocks on the site shall be shown on the revised
landscaping plan with the final location to be determined by the Historic District Commission; the
fence along the driveway as proposed shall be replaced with plantings to be shown on the revised
landscaping plan to be approved by the Historic District Commission; and finally, the Certificate of
Appropriateness shall not be approved until the stormwater manager signs it stating that stream
buffer impacts have been or will be appropriately mitigated; all other conditions and designs from
previous approvals shall remain as previously approved.
Item10: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Drew Blum to build a retaining wall in the front and
side yard at 310 N. Hassell St. (9864-87-8701).
Motion: Simmons moved to open the public hearing. Smith seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Highley asked whether there were any conflicts of interest regarding this application. There were none.
Drew Blum was sworn in.
Snyder read the staff report into the public record.
Highley asked whether there was anyone present to speak for or against the application. There was no one.
Blum answered questions from the commission. The wall steps back and he is not sure how much, but it is
shallow.
Motion: Heilman moved to close the public hearing. Simmons seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Farlow moved to find as fact that the Drew Blum application is in keeping with the overall character of
the Historic District and complies with all relevant standards of evaluation based on the commission’s
discussion of the application and the standards of evaluation in Section 3.12.3 of the Unified
Page 14 of 16
Development Ordinance because the plans are consistent with the Historic District Design Guidelines:
Fences and Walls; Site Features and Plantings. Heilman seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Motion: Farlow moved to approve the application as submitted. Smith seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Conditions: None
Item11: Preliminary review of proposed modifications to the building and site at 153 W. King St. (9864-96-
8196).
Snyder reviewed the staff report. Hornik reminded the commission that this review is to gain feedback from the
commission before the Board of Commissioners votes on the special use permit.
Justin Fejfar was present to explain the proposed modifications. He explained the intent with the design was to
have space for outdoor weddings. Commission members asked questions and made comments.
General comments included:
Non-security lighting needs to be low to the ground, pedestrian-scale, and inconspicuous. This lighting should
shine to avoid light infiltration on adjacent properties or the building.
Proposed seating wall is appropriate.
A visual barrier along the front property line to the edge of the handicapped ramp into the building should be
considered. This could be in the form of a brick or natural stone wall or wood picket fence up to 4 feet tall.
A gate of appropriate materials (such as wood or iron) should be a considered addition at the front entry brick
walkway along with possibly adding an archway over the gate with a minimum of 8 feet of clearance under
the archway for pedestrians.
The Historic District Commission will take into consideration upgrades and repairs to the lower front sidewalk
along King Street in front of the inn for improved accessibility. This would be dependent on the ultimate
design and scope of the proposed changes or repairs.
The upper front sidewalk under the building’s porch should be only minimally repaired to allow for egress
from the building and to level as much as practical while maintaining the original materials and integrity of the
walkway.
Fences around the proposed trash and recycling area may be up to 8 feet tall and shall be made of wood
privacy panels.
Plantings should be green year-round as much as practical, so the applicant should replace proposed bushes
with native evergreen species, including but not limited to Catawba rhododendrons, holly, or laurels.
Applicant should decide if gardens proposed would be “period” gardens or contemporary gardens and plan
the associated plantings accordingly.
A brick or stone fountain should be considered to integrate into hardscaping perhaps at the end of the entry
brick walkway or on the existing rear patio.
All of the proposed pergolas should be reduced in overall scale to be pedestrian-scale. Additionally, if the
gate and archway are to be constructed along King Street, the two pergolas over the entry brick walkway
should be removed.
The firepit locations are appropriate since they are temporary, and all locations shall provide the minimum
separation from the building required by fire code and building code.
The proposed entry door on the addition on the west elevation should be covered with some form of
overhang consisting of appropriate materials to break up the flat façade.
All proposed railings on the site and in the right of way should match and be of a design approved elsewhere
in town and of wrought-iron or other high-quality metal. Applicants should consult with the public space
manager and North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding appropriate railing design options.
Page 15 of 16
The original eastern wing should not be concealed per Page 39 of the design guidelines, No. 3. If feasible, the
applicant should consider separating the proposed eastern addition with a breezeway or courtyard to reopen
the original east façade.
The projection on the flat roof in the center of the building should be reduced so as not to be visible from the
front elevation.
The applicant needs to coordinate the requirements and comments from the State Historic Preservation
Office and the National Park Service with the Hillsborough Historic District Commission to reconcile any
differences in interpretation of the guidelines for the exterior of the building.
Pavers as labeled would be regular bricks for interior hardscapes.
The addition should not overwhelm the original building, so special attention should be paid to its scale and
form relative to the original building.
New utility service lines on site, including electrical, should be buried.
Attempt to recycle the large hand-carved wooden timbers in the existing building somewhere else on site,
including possibly for one of the pergolas.
Consider wood siding on the rear building additions, as the interior materials will differentiate the age of the
building, but wood is more appropriate on this building.
Consider possibly separating the new addition from the original building.
If possible, reconfigure the rear building so that a small section of central roof is not visible from the front
elevation.
Item 12: Updates
The commission acknowledged it was Farlow’s last meeting and expressed appreciation to him for his service on
the commission. Snyder reported that there will be a full agenda for August and at that time a vice-chair will be
elected. He reminded the board that the town’s quarterly public hearing for consideration of the Colonial Inn’s
special use permit application would be July 19 and that a member of the commission, preferably the chair,
should be present to speak and present the commission’s comments as needed.
Item 13: Adjourn
Motion: Heilman moved to adjourn at 1:20 a.m. Dowdle seconded.
Vote: 7-0
Page 16 of 16
CH Architects on behalf of
Bryan Stuart and Kelly West
Kay and Reed Johnson
Frances Ray
The Expedition School on
behalf of Eno River Mill, LLC
Lea Frederick on behalf of
Martin and Christina Usiak
East Tryon Properties, LLC
8/1/2018
Claude and Johanna Wilson
Call for testimonies in support
potential conflicts of interest
Call for motion to open Public Chair swears in applicant and Cross examination by applicant Chair summarizes facts and Call for motion to close Public Call for Motion of Finding of Call
for Motion to Approve/ Approve with conditions/Deny
Chair introduces application
Call for applicant testimony
Commission questions to
Check for any known or
Commission deliberation
applicant and witnesses
Call for testimonies in
or bias on Commission
Process Checklist
Any discussion? Any discussion?
Call for Second Call for Second Call for Second Call for Second
and witnesses
Call for Vote Call for Vote Call for Vote Call for Vote
Staff report
opposition
witnesses
Applicant
evidence
HearingHearing
Fact
COA
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Address: 211 E. Corbin Street
Design Guidelines that apply: Additions to ExistingBuildings, Paint and Exterior Color;
Windows and Doors; Site Features and Plantings; Porches, Entrances, and Balconies;
Decks; Exterior Walls; Roofs; Utilities and Energy Retrofit
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Address: 144 E. Tryon Street
Design Guidelines that apply: Paint and Exterior Color; Porches, Entrances, and
Balconies; Fences and Walls; Site Features and Plantings; Accessibility and Life Safety
Considerations; Roofs; Windows and Doors; Masonry; Exterior Walls; New
Construction of Outbuildings and Garages; Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street
Parking; Exterior Lighting; Architectural Metals
)4%- Ͱ 7C: ,¤ &±¤£¤±¨¢ª ® ¡¤§ «¥ ®¥ - ±³¨ £ #§±¨²³¨ Usiak
Address: 423 N. CameronStreet
Design Guidelines that apply: Fences and Walls; Site Features and Plantings;
Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street parking; Decks; Utilities and Energy Retrofit
)4%- Ͱ 7DȀ 4§¤ %·¯¤£¨³¨® 3¢§®®« ® ¡¤§ «¥ ®¥ %® 2¨µ¤± -¨««Ǿ ,,#
Address: 437 Dimmocks Mill Road, Suite 33
Design Guidelines that apply: New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages,
Windows and Doors, Paint and Exterior Color, Roofs
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Address: 421 W. CorbinStreet
Design Guidelines that apply: Demolition of Existing Buildings
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Address: 324 W. TryonStreet
Design Guidelines that apply: Site Features and Plantings
)4%- Ͱ ΖGȀ #( !±¢§¨³¤¢³² ® ¡¤§ «¥ ®¥ "±¸ 3³´ ±³ £ +¤««¸ 7¤²³
Address: 121 E. Tryon Street
Design Guidelines that apply: Paint and Exterior Color; Roofs; Porches, Entrances, and
Balconies; Wood; Windows and Doors; Exterior Walls; Additions to Existing Buildings
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that all property owners within 100 feet of and the owners of
PIN 9874-19-7062 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of notification of the Certificate of Appropriateness
application before the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with the Hillsborough Zoning
Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
9874197062CLAUDE, JR. AND JOHANNA WILSON5739 WEDGEWOOD DRCHARLOTTENC28210
9874190573TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC SPACE DIVISIONPO BOX 429HILLSBOROUGH27278
NC
9874188956,
9874188897THOMAS H AND HARRY S DULAPO BOX 102HILLSBOROUGH27278
NC
9874280836
LISA NAPP AND JACK BERNHARDT416 MITCHELL STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874184876JOE AND KAYE CRAWFORD416 N CAMERON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874199549E & A DEVELOPMENT INC3606 EDMUND LATTA RDNC27278
HILLSBOROUGH
CURTIS CONOVER AND MARIE FRANCE ELOI501 MITCHELL STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874197240
9874199241CLIFFORD AND BARBARA YOUNGER404 N CHURTON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874184976,
9874187869PAMALA W BRIGGS114 SPRINGFIELD PLHillsboroughNC27278
9874184774KATHLEEN M FAHERTY TRUSTEE108 S HILLSBOROOUGH AVEHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
DAVID E CATES210 S WAKE STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that all property owners within 100 feet of and the owners of
PIN 9874-16-1753 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of notification of the Certificate of Appropriateness
application before the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with the Hillsborough Zoning
Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
5011 SOUTH PARK DRIVE,
9874161753EAST TRYON PROPERTIES, LLCSUITE 250DURHAMNC27717
9874160934HILLSBOROUGHNC27872
TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC SPACEPO BOX 429
9874160504JACK AND PEGGY TROXELL141 E KING STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874069714JOSEPH AND VIBEKE TALLEY134 E TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874161468MARVIN LUTHER TEER145 E KING STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874163719BONNIE GATESP O BOX 399HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874163711ROBERT STRIEGLER113 N CAMERON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874160726AME AND EUGENIA ZIMMERMAN TRUSTEES 140 E TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874079171STUART AND LINDA SWAIN PAYNTER115 E TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874171045BRYAN STUART AND KELLY WEST121 E TRYON STHillsboroughNC27278
9874163529STEPHEN AND ALLISON MAHALEY109 N CAMERON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874173027CMR VENTURES, LLCPO DRAWER 1529HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that all property owners within 100 feet of and the owners of
PIN 9874-18-2753 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of notification of the Certificate of Appropriateness
application before the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with the Hillsborough Zoning
Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
9874182753MARTIN AND CHRISTINA USIAK70 ARGYLL AVENEW ROCHELLENY10804
PO BOX 429
9874088727TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC SPACESHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
408 N CAMERON ST
9874184690PRISCILLA LONGHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
GEORGE AND NANCY CAMPBELL425 N CAMERON ST
9874182352HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
419 N CAMERON ST
9874182633ROBERT E. LLOYD IIHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874184876JOE AND KAYE CRAWFORD416 N CAMERON ST
HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874182543FRANCES POPE415 N CAMERON ST
HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874184774KATHLEEN FAHERTY TRUSTEE108 S HILLSBOROOUGH AVE
HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
VUE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION DBA VUE CUSTOM POOLS, ATTN:
LEA FREDERICK211 SOUTHSIDE SQUARE
GREENSBORONC27406
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that all property owners within 100 feet of and the owners of
PIN 9864-64-6207 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of notification of the Certificate of Appropriateness
application before the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with the Hillsborough Zoning
Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
437 DIMMOCKS MILL RD
9864646207ENO RIVER MILL LLCSUITE 14HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864745301,
9864632758TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGHPO BOX 429HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864548231,
9864537896COUNTY LOCK UP, INC155 WINDSOR CRCHAPEL HILLNC27516
9864633933JANET W RIGSBEE7660 SUMTER CREST DR, APT 6205RALEIGHNC27617
9864646207ENO RIVER MILL LLCPO BOX 12929RALEIGHNC27605
9864548420PEARL ARNOLD DESIGNS, LLC3938 RIDERS TRLHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
THE EXPEDITION SCHOOL437 DIMMOCKS MILL RD, STE. 33HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that all property owners within 100 feet of and the owners of
PIN 9864-78-2842 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of notification of the Certificate of Appropriateness
application before the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with the Hillsborough Zoning
Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
9864782842FRANCES T RAY421 W CORBIN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864784760,
9864783471ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION200 EAST KING STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864781603RONALD TURNER514 N NASH STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864781712IDA T LAWSON216 HOOVER RDMEBANENC27302
9864781813JOEL PHERRIBO, AGNES YOUNG, ET AL.8927 PAULINE CTROUGEMONTNC27572
9864783822PAUL AND ADDIE JACOBSON, TRUSTEES887 CHUCKANUT DRBELLINGHAM98229
WA
9864784863PATRICK A SPENCER AND MIRANDA VOLBORTH409 W CORBIN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864794133,
9864793132ANKIM, LLC405 W QUEEN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864781909DREW'S HOUSE, LLC405 W QUEEN STHILLSBOROUGH27278
NC
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that all property owners within 100 feet of and the owners of
PIN 9864-87-1005 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of notification of the Certificate of
Appropriateness application before the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with the
Hillsborough Zoning Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
1014 HIGHLANDS WOODS
9864871005F REED AND KATHLEEN A JOHNSONRDCHAPEL HILLNC27517
9864861812,
9864862725ANNIE M JARABEK327 W TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864871336CHRIS J AND TERESA M WACHHOLZ325 W QUEEN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864769746CAMILLA B COVER122 N OCCONEECHEE STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864779368,
9864779287,
9864779188THOMAS J AND BLYTHE F CRABTREE332 W TRYON STHILLSBOROUGH27278
NC
9864872121MERCY LAND GROUP LLC2008 DAVIS RDHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864872072SAMUEL A AND EMILY C HUNTLEY316 W TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9864779055WILLIAM A WILSON AND ALYSSA R MARTINA332 W TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
I, Justin Snyder, hereby certify that the property owners of PIN 9874-17-1045 (the affected property) have been sent a letter of
notification of the preliminary review of their proposal by the Historic District Commission by first class mail in accordance with
the Hillsborough Zoning Ordinance.
_____________________________ ________________________________________
Date Hillsborough Planning Department
9874171045BRYAN STUART AND KELLY WEST121 E TRYON STHillsboroughNC27278
9874173216
JOHN UPTON, JR AND PATSY UPTON215 N CAMERONHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874079350CARL CHESHIRE114 E QUEEN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874160934CEMETERYUNKNOWN ADDRESSNC27872
HILLSBOROUGH
BONNIE GATESP O BOX 399HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874163719
9874160726AME ZIMMERMAN, EUGENIA ZIMMERMAN TRUSTEES140 E TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874079171STUART AND LINDA SWAIN PAYNTER115 E TRYON STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
CH ARCHITECTS157 E KING STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874173027CMR VENTURES LLCPO DRAWER 1529HILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874171302APRIL BROWN122 E QUEEN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
9874161753EAST TRYON PROPERTIES, LLC5011 SOUTH PARK DRIVE, STE 250DURHAMNC27717
9874171393AARON DAWSON AND MARISA MARRACCINI126 E QUEEN STHILLSBOROUGHNC27278
211 E Corbin Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Project:
This non-contributing two-and-a-half-story, side-gabled, saltbox-form house is five bays wide and
double-pile with masonite siding and windows, a denticulated cornice, and a large interior brick
chimney. The six-panel door has a classical surround with fluted pilasters. A gabled breezeway on the
right (west) elevation connects to a one-and-a-half-story, front-gabled two-bay-wide garage with a four-
over-four window in the gable, a frame cupola, and a shed-roofed garage bay on the right elevation.
Appears to have built in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Existing Condition Photos:
Please see the following photos detailing the existing house:
Front from E Corbin Street
5/19/2018Page 1 of 8
211 E Corbin Street
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Left Side from Mitchell Street
5/19/2018Page 2 of 8
211 E Corbin Street
CAN
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Rear
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211 E Corbin Street
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Right Side
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211 E Corbin Street
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Front Door
5/19/2018Page 5 of 8
211 E Corbin Street
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ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Project Details:
There are three main aspects to the proposed project and a few minor changes. The first aspect
proposed is to replace the front stoop with a full width 8’ deep porch. Here are the justifications and
reasons for proposing the front porch:
1.This non-contributing house is practically the lone example of the saltbox style of house in
Hillsborough which doesn’t integrate with the neighboring houses. A majority of the houses in
the neighborhood have front porches. This porch will help the house to integrate better with
the neighborhood and Hillsborough in general.
2.Due to the small size of the lot relative to the large mass of this house the home has an imposing
presence on the lot. The proposed porch will help transition the flat façade to a more human
scale which in turn will help it to become a more inviting structure. Here is the inspiration photo
for the front porch
3.Previously the lot adjacent to the rear of this property was under the same ownership as the
house. Recently that lot was sold separate from this house to a different person. This lot now
has a minimal backyard and a larger front yard. The front porch will help to balance the house
on the lot and the front yard will become more the focus of outdoor activity than in the past.
4.The porch will provide protection to the existing detailed front door which is currently
unshielded from the weather. Repairs have been made at least twice to the front door area
because of water damage; repair work that is still visible and unsightly. The home inspection
identified that the stoop needs repair because of a negative slope toward the front door, which
causes rot issues as well.
th
5.On April 25, 2018 the mayor of Hillsborough Tom Stevens in his State of the Town Address
stressed the importance of front porches and how they epitomize the Town of Hillsborough. To
quote “The illustration of this porch scene epitomizes what Hillsborough’s town lifestyle aims to
be, Stevens said.“
The second major aspect is the addition of a screened in porch off the rear of the house. Currently an
unprotected double door opens onto steps which lead down to a brick patio. There is no landscaping in
the background and zero privacy. This screen porch will also house a new laundry room as the current
laundry closet is in the kitchen.
5/19/2018Page 6 of 8
211 E Corbin Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
The last major change involves replacing the existing masonite siding with Hardieplank lap siding due to
the deterioration of the masonite. Due to the potential large budgetary impact of this requested change
it may be necessary to only repair and repaint the existing masonite.
The minor changes proposed are relates to three new windows which will be aluminum clad SDL. One of
the windows will be directly adjacent to the existing rear facing window over the kitchen sink to help
provide additional light to the kitchen. An identical window is proposed on the east facing wall of the
new screen porch. Lastly a 1’ x 4’ window is proposed over the shower on the south facing wall at the
southeast corner of the home.
Landscaping:
The existing overgrown and diseased boxwoods will be replaced with native plantings. The original
landscape plans were discovered in the house and they did not include the boxwoods. Please see the
attached landscape plan by local landscape architect Casey Collins for details.
5/19/2018Page 7 of 8
211 E Corbin Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Material List:
ExistingProposed
sidingmasonitesiding (addition)Hardieplank or equiv.
trimwoodtrim (addition)Hardietrim or equiv.
fasciawoodfascia (addition)Hardietrim or equiv.
roofasphalt shinglesroofasphalt shingles
foundation materials brickfoundation materials brick
windowsvinylwindowsmetal clad SDL
shuttersplasticshuttersno change
awningsN/AawningsN/A
doorswooddoorswood
porch/stoopbrickporch/stooppressure treated wood
deck flooringN/Adeck flooringpressure treated wood
handrailswoodhandrailspressure treated wood
columnswoodcolumnsHardietrim
patiosbrickpatiosN/A
front stepsbrickfront stepspressure treated wood
walkwaysbrickwalkwaysbrick pavers
drivewaysgraveldrivewaysno change
fencesN/AfencesN/A
wallsN/AwallsN/A
signsN/AsignsN/A
5/19/2018Page 8 of 8
States
United
211 E Corbin street view from Mitchell looking towards proposed screened porch addition
SIDING
SHUTTERS
TRIM
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Project:
This two-story, side-gabled, brick apartment building is nine bays wide and three bays deep with vinyl
windows and vinyl siding in the gables. The building has six units, three on each level. Each unit has a
solid wood door flanked by one-over-one windows on the façade. Units on the second-floor level are
accessed by a metal stair leading to a two-story, shed-roofed porch with decorative metal posts and
metal railing. There is a concrete-block retaining wall with terra cotta coping at the east end of the
property. County tax records date the building to 1963.
Existing Conditions Photos:
E Tryon Street view (North)
3/16/2016Page 1 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
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Right (West)
3/16/2016Page 2 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
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ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Rear (South)
3/16/2016Page 3 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Left (East)
3/16/2016Page 4 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Damaged Brick Veneer
3/16/2016Page 5 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 6 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 7 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 8 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 9 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 10 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 11 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 12 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
Project:
Due to the existing damage to the brick veneer on the front of the building (see pictures above) the
owners have to remove the brick to assess and repair the damage. Because of the extensive work
required the owners determined this is the best opportunity to update the look of the building. The
proposed design eliminates the singular balcony and front metal staircase in favor of three individual
balconies with no front staircase which will help to provide more personal use of the balcony space and
a sense of security as your neighbors will not be able to walk in front of your windows/doors. This
arrangement will be duplicated on the rear which will give all tenants covered entrances. On the front
façade the damaged brick will be replace with lap siding (Hardieplank or equivalent) except at the
corners where a pilaster of brick will remain to facilitate the transition back to brick as you go around
the building corners.
In order to deal with the damaged brick the owners are proposing to stain the brick. While the design
guidelines frown on painting brick due to hiding historic brick and maintenance issues. In this case the
brick is common brick and isn’t particularly historic and the staining of brick is a better alternative
maintenance wise. Brick Painting and Brick Staining may seem like the same thing but they aren’t.
Painting brick requires maintenance and it may be required to repaint it every 3-5 years due to the paint
peeling from the surface of the brick. Brick staining is a much better choice. When you stain brick, it’s
absorbed by the brick and forms a powerful chemical barrier that also protects it from the elements.
Painting brick also traps in moisture while brick staining allows the brick to breathe. Bricks have a
naturally porous surface that needs to breathe to maintain itself. When you paint brick, it saturates the
pores preventing the flow of air. It also stops it from effectively releasing water and moisture. As more
moisture builds up, it will come through the surface of the brick resulting in the paint peeling from the
surface. Staining allows brick to maintain it’s original physical properties so that it successfully releases
moisture and prevents build up. With staining bricks are able to breathe and release moisture without
any blistering, chipping or peeling.
Because of the removal of the brick veneer the windows to the apartments are proposed to enlarged
which will bring much needed light into the apartments as well as enhance the building’s appearance
3/16/2016Page 13 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
since the existing windows are too small proportionally for the size of the building. Additionally the
doors on the front are proposed to all frosted glass which will again bring in more light while providing
privacy to the residents. As stated earlier the front low pitched porch is proposed to be replaced with
three “flat” roofs.
No change is proposed to the existing side and rear windows.
On the rear of the apartment building the doors are proposed to be 5 horizontal panes of glass which
will provide more light than the existing doors while offering a feeling of security.
The existing exterior laundry room is proposed to be removed as washers and dryers are proposed to be
installed in each apartment.
It is proposed to remove the existing window units and to install central heating and air conditioning
which will help to improve the look of the building.
A four car garage is proposed on the back of the existing parking lot which will also have Hardieplank lap
siding with a simple shed roof design to complement the new design for the apartment building. Placing
the garage here will also provide substantial screening of the rear of the apartment building which
should be beneficial to the neighbors.
3/16/2016Page 14 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
3/16/2016Page 15 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
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Lastly the existing dumpster will be screened with pressure treated 6x6 wood posts and pressure
treated 5/4x6 horizontal slats with a gate which can be closed to further screen the dumpster.
Landscape Plan/Tree removal:
In addition to the required landscaping (3’ high parking lot screen, HVAC screening, three street trees,
one parking lot shade tree and entrance defining low shrubs) please see the attached landscape plan for
a more detailed layout of the proposed landscaping. The only “tree” that is proposed to be removed is a
holly which is partly to blame for the damage to the foundation which in turn compromised the veneer
of the structure.
Proposed exterior materials
Existing exterior materials
sidingbricksiding (addition)brick/Hardieplank or equiv.
trimvinyltrim (addition)Hardietrim or equiv.
fasciavinylfascia (addition)Hardietrim or equiv.
roofasphalt shinglesroofasphalt shingles
foundation materials brickfoundation materials brick
windowsvinylwindowsAluminum metal clad
shuttersN/AshuttersN/A
awningsN/AawningsN/A
3/16/2016Page 16 of 17
144 E Tryon Street
CAN
ERTIFICATE OFPPROPRIATENESSARRATIVE
doorswooddoorswood
porch/stoopbrick/metalporch/stoopbrick/metal
deck flooringconcretedeck flooringIpe wood
handrailsmetalhandrailsmetal
columnsmetalcolumnsmetal
patiosN/ApatiosN/A
front stepsbrickfront stepsbrick/concrete
walkwaysconcretewalkwaysconcrete
drivewaysasphaltdrivewaysasphalt
fencesN/AfencesN/A
wallsN/AwallsN/A
signsN/AsignsN/A
3/16/2016Page 17 of 17
650
mini
superior product + recognized value
The Janus Model 650 Mini Storage Door is designed
and manufactured with durability, quick installation
and ease of maintenance in mind. Features standard
to this door eliminate the need for extra options or
upgrades. The best door the best value
Thats the Janus Advantage
FEATURES
DOOR SPRINGS
During production, each spring is coated with a generous amount of grease that
penetrates the innermost pores of the spring with additives, displacing moisture
and preventing the formation of rust and corrosion. In addition, this process
relieves the friction created between spring coils, thereby providing a smoother
door operation. Finally, the spring and axle assembly is enclosed in a tube to
protect them from the elements encountered throughout the life of the door.
OPTIONAL PACKAGE PROTECTION & SHIPPING
Doors stacked on top of each other in transit are going to shift unless they can
be packaged in a way to minimize the sliding that occurs during that time. Janus
has found the way. As an option, we can suspend each door individually in crates.
Whether they travel down the block or across the country, compaction damages,
door abrasions and chatter marks are virtually eliminated.
RATCHET TENSIONING DEVICE
The Janus ratchet tensioning device, supplied as standard equipment on our door,
offers a simpler method of tensioning while more accurately fine tuning all the
springs on the door at the same time. There is no extra hardware required. Eight
different positions on the tension wheel allow one to perfectly balance the door
every time. There are no pins required to hold the tension on the spring you
simply just click it.
RADIAL BALL BEARINGS
Janus supplies radial ball bearings at no additional cost to you. Our permanently-
lubricated bearings require no maintenance and are guaranteed to last the entire
life span of the door.
DEAD AXLE & TORQUE TUBE ASSEMBLY
This design, noted for its durability and smoother operation with commercial
applications, has now been incorporated into the Janus self storage door. The
tube housing protects the springs and strengthens the axle. Eliminating axle
push and shift that can occur with a live axle, the dead axle design allows for a
straighter travel path of the door curtain in the guides. The greatest feature of this
design is that it affords the fine tuning of any spring adjustment to equally affect
all springs on the door at the same time.
DOOR STOPS
Our removable door stops are simple to install and prevent the curtain from over
traveling the guide when raising the door.
MAGNETIC ZINC COATED STEEL OR OPTIONAL STAINLESS STEEL LATCH
Our patented mini latch features a cover plate made from a heavy gauge yellow
zinc coated steel or optional stainless steel. In addition, the latch cover protects
the slide from tampering by completely covering the slide, with the exception of
a tab used to operate the latch. To further secure the door, the latchs two inch
throw, with its magnetic properties, can be incorporated with the new guide-
mounted security devices. This versatile design affords you the ability to utilize
padlocks, cylinder locks or both.
DOOR CURTAIN
The 26 gauge corrugated door curtain is manufactured from full hard galvanized
grade 80 steel and coated with Super Durable polyester paint that is backed by a
40 year film integrity and 25 year no-fade limited paint warranty. Available in sizes
up to 100 x 100 and in over 20 different colors.
650
superior product + recognized value
Three manufacturing facilities located throughout the United
States and a team of experienced door experts are available
mini
to assist you with any of your door needs.
Three year warranty on workmanship and material.
All DRUMS are fitted with a grease Oil-tempered helical torsion SPRINGS are
Full width galvanized steel BARREL
filled, shielded radial ball bearing to factory lubricated to minimize friction and totally encloses the drums, springs
contribute to a smoother operation corrosion while increasing the spring cycle and axle. Barrel-type construction
and reduce wear and friction.life. Spring wire confirms to ASTM A 229.
reduces door sag, eliminates drum
dents and improves operation due
Factory installed galvanized
to an even support of the curtain
reinforced 16 gauge BRACKETS
for the entire width.
(12 gauge for doors over 9 wide
Galvanized and pre-painted with
or 8 tall) are designed to easily
long lasting Super Durable polyester
snap onto the guides, reducing
paint, the 26 gauge CORRUGATED
installation time.
CURTAIN is roll formed from ASTM
A 653 grade 80 full hard steel. This
Galvanized, guide-mounted HEAD
premium steel yields greater door
STOPS are simple to install and
strength and minimized curtain
prevent curtain over travel when
damage. Full height felt tape on
raising the door. Installed through
back of curtain prevents nesting
guide after curtain is lowered, they
and reduces paint rubbing. 20+
provide definite contact with the
colors are standard, with others
bottom bar angle and stop clips.
available on special order. Available
in sizes up to 100 x 100.
The RATCHET SPRING Roll formed, 18 gauge galvanized
TENSIONER ASSEMBLY is GUIDES are fitted with dual
factory installed on the end of the polyethylene wear strips to reduce
door axle and allows precise fine friction and muffle door noises.
tuning of the initial spring tension. All guide attachment to jamb is
Increments of 1/8 turn are possible. performed through the guides
Tensioner adjusts both springs without the addition of clips
equally at the same time from only welded to the back of the guide.
one end of the door.This gives a neater appearance,
increased strength and aids
in tight installations.
Roll formed clear acrylic coated
Yellow zinc coated steel or
galvanized steel BOTTOM BAR
optional stainless steel cover, slide
reinforced with a 1-1/2 x 1-1/2
and four attachment bolts are
14 gauge full width galvanized
factory installed. The slide exhibits
angle that extends fully into the
magnetic properties that can be
guides. The PVC bulb astragal
used to activate a guide mounted
provides positive contact with
security sensor. LATCH accepts all
floor. Lift handle(s) and stop clips
industry padlocks, including 7/16
installed on exterior side of bottom
diameter shanks. Provision for
bar and a non-rotting pull rope is
cylinder lock included.
attached to the inside angle.
GUIDEDETAILS
UNIVERSALMOUNTGUIDESLIPDETAIL
3 1/2" Min.
2"
2"
2"
11/2"
2"
2"
2"
WOOD JAMBS
ROLLUP FRAME JAMBS
CONCRETE/MASONRY JAMBS
USING 1/4-14 X 7/8" STITCH TEKSRAIN LIP DETAIL
USING 1/4-10 X 1" LAGUSING 1/4" X 1-3/4" WEDGE-BOLT
650
superior product + recognized value
J I C
ANUSNTERNATIONALORPORATION
mini
Janus International Corporation specializes in the production
of storage facility components, ranging from roll-up doors to
self-sustaining hallway systems. The expertise and assistance
provided to the customer, from designing the unit mix to the
competition. Our meticulous attention to detail with the prints,
manufacturing process, shipping, and installation offers every
one of our customers the assurance that they are getting the best
product available on the market. These qualities and services
keep Janus customers coming back for all their self storage door
requirements.
Thru 7’ 4”
15-1/2173-3/163
Over 7’ 4”
1617-1/2
thru 8’ 8”
Over 8’ 8”
1718-1/4
thru 10’ 0”
IS YOUR FACILITY ADA COMPLIANT? Janus International
self storage doors are mechanically built in adherence with ADA
regulations, but certain features may be necessary to make your
doors fully compliant. Contact your regional sales manager or
JANUS INTERNATIONAL
email marketing@janusintl.com to learn more.
{ headquarters }
p.o. box 567
temple, georgia 30179
INSTALLATION
{ manufacturing facilities }
134 janus international blvd.
Time is money. Janus saves you time by shipping your
temple, georgia 30179
self storage door with the latch, brackets and tensioner
+
already in place. With the Janus door, you simply snap
1256 brittmoore road
houston, texas 77043
the brackets into the guides and the door is ready to
+
stand. Comprehensive installation instructions are
13374 west peoria avenue
shipped with every job. Furthermore, an installation
surprise, arizona 85379
+
video is available on our website to show you just how
davy drive; north west industrial estate
easy it is to install.
peterlee; co durham SR8 2JF united kingdom
{ distribution centers }
WARRANTY
2535 west la palma avenue
anaheim, california 92801
The Series 650 door and its components are warranted
+
to be free of defects in workmanship and material for
1407 rocket blvd.
THREE YEARS. Our paint warranty offers a 40 year film
integrity and a 25 year no-fade policy. Other provisions
proud member of:
apply. Please refer to our official warranties on our
1 866 562 2580
PH
website for specific details.
1 770 562 0328
FX
www.janusintl.com
revised 10/30/12
Uhl Stonework & EpoxyFloors,LLC.
CONTRACTOR:Uhl Stonework & Epoxy Floors LLC. DATE:September 3, 2018
PROJECT
:StonePorch,Steps, Tiered Retaining
6608 Wateroak Drive
Walls, Step Stones
Willow Spring, NC 27592
JOB NUMBER
: 1004-64
Phone: 919-495-0193
Fax: 919-346-1017
E-mail: Rockslayer2121@gmail.com
PROJECT LOCATION:CUSTOMER:
324 West TryonAttn:Reed & Kay Johnson
Hillsborough, NC27278Phone: 919-605-0571
E-mail: Firstenor@gmail.com
Veneerstone retaining walls forthe center island of the driveway:
Stone:Crab Orchard Natural Veneerstone.
Two tieredwalls:will be the center of the driveway.
The lower tieredwall will be 0-3 foot in height wall and span approximately 73 feet in length.
The upper tierwall will be a 1 -4' foot in height wall and spans 76 feet,that sits back off the lower tieredwallapproximately
3.5 '-4.5' feet as this will be a flat planter area with a Japanese maple tree in the center.
The upper tierwall will start retaining from the concrete free standing wall off the house back to the driveway area curving downhill
to meet with the starting point of the lower tieredwall that stops at the concrete wall off the house. The lower tiered wall will be fully
curved.
The wall shape for thetiered walls in the center of the driveway will be a tear drop shape.The driveway is a Y shape that runs straight
to the garage on the right side but on the left side runs up hill to the front of the house.The difference in height levels is 7feetmax.
All retaining walls will have one foot deep by eight inch wide footings will 3/4" inch rebar running vertically doubled for every 12"
inch cinder block, these rebar sticks will be fully set in the concrete footings. The concrete will be a recommended 3,500 psi concrete
or higher.
The block work:for the retaining walls will be set in mortar over top of the concretefootings and steel rebar with1/2" mortarjoints
and back filled with more 3,500 psi concrete,fillingthe block solid. As the block work is being filled with 3,500 psi concrete we will
be rodding the block.
Installation of Crab Orchard Veneer stone:All Crab Orchard stone will be set with a proper mixture of both mason sand and type-S
mortar. The stone must be set and properly spaced at about 1/2 inch or so grout lines.All stones will be level with each other and laid
to have a positive slope for water runoff when set.
or veneer
Stone steps: 4"-8" inch thick by 4' foot wide craborchard slabs of stoneforthe treads. These steps will be dug out and graded before
installation of the stepsand risers. We will then form for each step and pour a 4" thick pad for each step and the veneerstone risers.
We will mortar and set the slabs of craborchard treads with the proper mixture of both type-s mortar and mason sand and will have a
1/8" inch overhang.
Risers for the steps will be Crab Orchard Veneerstone. These risers will span
4' feet in length by 6" inches in height
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Retaining wall next to the steps leading to the back yard:
We will excavate a 12" inch by 12" inchfooting with 3/4 " inch steel rebar set vertically. We will allow to cure over night before
installation of the block work.
12" inch cinder blocks willbe set with 1/2" inch grout joints throughout and staggered.
These retaining walls will also be veneeredcraborchard naturalstone.
Front entranceway craborchard veneer with veneer stone retaining walls on both sides:
We will dig,form and pour an additional small slab of concrete at 4" inches for the craborchard veneer front porch
extension 5'x6'x7'. This slab will be poured,magnesium troweled, bull floated and left with a raw finish for bonding.
Left and right side retaining walls:
Each side will have a crab orchard veneerstone retaining wall approximately 2.5 -3 ' feet in height withconcretefootings and 8" inch
cinder blocks with steel rebar in each block.
Front Porch ExtensionStone veneer:
Once all the concrete is set inplace and cured and the retaining walls are installed,the front porch and extension will receivea
veneered craborchardstone that will be 5' in width at the entrance of the front door to a 7' foot wide flare out at the driveway end.
The stone will be set in a mortar bed with 1/2" inch grout joints throughout.
Final grout will be done in the 1/2 " inch grout joints with a proper mixture of both type-s mortar and mason sand and will receivea
sponged method for a smooth professional appearance.
Natural Step Stones:
The wooden stairs that leadwill have NaturalCrab Orchardtep stones.
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Plantings Overview
1.On the steeper slopes, there is a combination of ferns, sedges and foam flowers to stabilize the soil.
Mondo grass, ajuga and similar grasses also serve to stabilize the soil on the steeper slopes.
2.The driveway is defined by a combination of anise and gardenia plants.
3.The area in front of the kitchen area is likely to have a damp soil. Ink berry, gardenia, and loropetalum
were selected because of their adaptability to the light and moisture changes.
4.Trees were selected that are frequently used in the area, with the ones closest to the woods using
indigenous species.
Key
Trees
E1, 2 - Eastern white pine or equivalent
E3, 4, 8, 9 - Magnolia virginius/Holly Tea Olive
or equivalent
E5, 6, 7 - Foster holly or yaupon or equivalent
D1, 2 White oak
D3 Japanese Red maple
D4 -7 Redbud/ alternatively Dogwood
D8 Dogwood
D9 Tupelo or River Birch
Other Plants
A -Anise
AJ - Ajuga
BB Butterfly Bush
F Fern
FF Foam Flower
G-Gardenia
GR Grass, clumping, for example acorus
H- Hydranga
I Iris
IB Ink Berry
L Loropetalum
LR Lenten Rose
M Mondo Grass
O = Oak-leaf hydrangea
S Sedge
SS Sweet Spire
V - Viburnum
Plantings Examples
Anise Plant Ajuga
Butterfly Bush Christmas Fern
Wood Fern Foam Flower
Gardenia Grasses, clumping, for example acorus ogon
Hydrangia Iris
Ink Berry Loropetalum
Lenten Rose Mondo Grass
Oak Leaf Hydrangea Sedge
Sweet Spire Vibernum
Trees-Examples
White oak White pine
Japanese Maple Magnolia
Holly Tea Olive Red Bud
Dogwood Tupelo Gum Tree
River Birch Foster Holly
Historic District Commission
Rules of Procedure
1.0 Purpose
To establish procedures for organizing the business of the Hillsborough Historic District Commission,
hereafter termed “Commission”, and processing applications for Certificate of Appropriateness for (1)
Changes in the exterior appearance of existing structures and/or streetscapes: (2) the design of new
structures and additions to existing structures: and (3) for demolition of existing structures within the
Hillsborough Historic District, hereafter called “District”, and to establish procedures for the
Commission’s review of potential “landmarks” and applications for certificates of appropriateness for
such “landmarks”.
2.0 General Rules
The Commission shall be governed by the terms of the Town of Hillsborough Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO), the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines, and by the terms of G.S. 160A-
400.1 through 160A-400.14, as they may be amended or revised. For procedures not covered by these
rules, the Commission shall follow the rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
3.0 Jurisdiction
The Commission’s jurisdiction for requiring Certificates of Appropriateness is mandated by the Town of
Hillsborough Historic District Section 4.3.1 of the Unified Development Ordinance (“UDO”) in accordance
with the Zoning Map. In addition, The Commission’s jurisdiction with respect to “landmarks” is
established by Section 2.5 and Section 3.12 of the UDO.
4.0 Members, Officers, and Duties
The Commission shall be composed of seven members, whose terms of office are set by the
Hillsborough Board of Commissioners
4.1 Chairman. A chairman shall be elected by the members of the Historic District
Commission. The chairman shall decide all points of order and procedure, subject to
these rules, unless directed otherwise by a majority of the Commission in session at a
time. The chairman shall appoint any committees found necessary to investigate any
matters before the Commission.
4.2 Vice-Chairman. A vice-chairman shall be elected by the Commission from among its
members in the same manner as the chairman. The vice- chairman shall serve as acting
chairman in the absence of the chairman, and at such times shall have the same powers
and duties as the chairman. Should both the chairman and the vice-chairman be absent,
any member may serve as chairman with the consent of the majority of those members
present.
4.3 Secretary. A member of the staff designated by the Hillsborough Board of
Commissioners or the Zoning Officer shall serve as secretary to the Commission. The
secretary, subject to the direction of the chairman of the Commission, shall keep
records, conduct all correspondence of the Commission, and generally supervise the
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clerical work of the Commission. The secretary shall not be eligible to vote upon any
matter.
4.4 Elections. Whenever practical, election of officers shall be held at the first regular
meeting in October. The secretary shall make the election of officers a standing agenda
item for the first regular meeting in October. The Secretary shall assume the chair for
the purpose of administering the election of the chair. The Secretary shall open the floor
to nominations for the chair by Board members. Nominees must be present at the
organizational meeting in order to be eligible for nomination. The Secretary shall then
entertain a motion to close the floor to nominations. After the motion has been
seconded, but before the Board acts on the motion, any nominee may decline a
nomination. Election of the chair shall be by roll call vote. A majority of the quorum of
the Board present at the organizational meeting shall be required for election of the
chair. Once a chair has been elected, the newly elected chair of the Board shall assume
the duties of the chair and shall proceed immediately to the election of the vice chair.
The election of the vice chair shall follow the same procedure as set forth above for the
election of the chair.
4.5 Attendance at meetings. Within 6 months of initial appointment to the Commission, a
new member must attend a Town Board meeting and an orientation session with
training staff. Faithful and prompt attendance at all meetings of the Commission and
conscientious performance of the duties required of members shall be a prerequisite to
continuing membership on the Commission. Attendance at regularly scheduled board
meetings is critical to continued membership on a board. Staff shall notify any board
member with 4 absences within a calendar year that regular attendance is required and
future absences may impact continued participation. If a board member has 6 absences
within a calendar year, their membership is automatically ended unless reappointed by
the town board within 30 days. Should a member fail to attend three consecutive
regular meetings of the Commission, and should there be no adequate excuses for such
absences, the chairman, with the concurrence of the majority of the entire Commission,
shall notify the Board of Commissioners of a vacancy on the Commission and request
that it be filled. Excused absences shall include but are not limited to: personal or family
illness, death in the family, work related, and other leaves of absence provided
reasonable notice is given to the Secretary. The secretary shall notify any member
absent, without an approved excuse or proper notice from two consecutive meetings, of
this requirement prior to the next regular meeting.
4.6 Disqualification of a voting member. Pursuant to G.S. 160A-388(e1) “A member of the
board or any other body exercising quasi-judicial functions pursuant to this Article shall
not participate in or vote on any quasi-judicial matter in a manner that would violate
affected persons' constitutional rights to an impartial decision maker. Impermissible
conflicts include, but are not limited to, a member having a fixed opinion prior to
hearing the matter that is not susceptible to change, undisclosed ex parte
communications, a close familial, business, or other associational relationship with an
affected person, or a financial interest in the outcome of the matter. If an objection is
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raised to a member's participation and that member does not recuse himself or herself,
the remaining members shall by majority vote rule on the objection.”
4.7 Qualification to vote. No Commission member shall vote on any matter deciding an
application or a request to reconsider unless that member shall have attended the
Commission’s previous deliberations on such application, or shall have read the minutes
of the meetings at which the application was discussed and is thoroughly familiar with
the facts and details of the proposal.
4.8 General Knowledge. Each member of the Commission shall be thoroughly familiar with
all statutes, laws, ordinances, and rules of procedure relating to the District and the
Commission as time and circumstance permit.
4.9 Required Training. Each member of the Commission shall be thoroughly familiar with all
statutes, laws, ordinances, and rules of procedure relating to the District and the
Commission as time and circumstance permit.
4.10 Vote. The majority of those members present or a concurring vote of at least three (3)
members of the Board, if only 5 or less members are present, shall be necessary in order
to decide in favor of the applicant or any matter upon which it is required to pass by this
Ordinance. A tie vote on the Findings of Fact does not halt procedure deliberation on
an application. A tie vote on a Motion does not constitute a majority of the board
members present and therefore the Motion fails.
5.0 Meetings
5.1 Regular meetings. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the first
Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Town Barn; provided, that meetings may be
held at some other convenient place and/or time if directed by the chairman, if proper
notification is given in advance to both the Commission and the public, and if posted at
the scheduled meeting place.
5.2 Special meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called at any time by the
chairman. At least 48 hours’ notice of time and place of special meetings shall be given
by the secretary or chairman to each member of the Commission, and a reasonable
attempt shall be made to provide notice to the public of the meeting as soon as it is
known.
5.3 Cancellation of meetings. Whenever there is no business for the Commission, the
secretary may dispense with a regular meeting by the giving of notice to all members
and the public not less than 24 hours prior to the time set for the meetings.
5.4 Quorum. A quorum of the Commission, necessary to conduct any business shall consist
of four (4) members. If no quorum is present after the Secretary does the roll call, then
the chairman may call for adjournment of the meeting.
5.5 Conduct of meetings. All meetings shall be open to the public, but are not necessarily
public hearings. The public may attend, but public comment shall be limited to those
members of the public who have expert testimony or factual evidence directly related
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to an application on the agenda. Other public comments are permissible at the
discretion of the Chairman, but shall not be used to render the Commission’s decision
on an agenda item. The order of business for regular meetings shall be as follows unless
otherwise modified: (1) Roll call; (2) additions to the agenda; (3) approval of minutes of
previous meetings; (4) swearing in of witnesses; (5) consideration of applications; (6)
report of committees; (7) unfinished business; (8) information and discussion; (9)
adjournment.
6.0 Landmarks
From time to time, the Commission may be asked to consider recommending to the Town Board the
adoption of an ordinance designation of a building, structure, site, area or object, as a landmark, or that
such landmark designation be revoked or removed for cause. The following rules shall guide the
Commission in the process.
6.1. When a building, structure, site, area or object is proposed for designation as a
landmark, the Commission shall cause an investigation to be made concerning the
historical, architectural, pre-historical, educational or cultural significance thereof. The
investigation may include review of existing written reports, assessments, analyses and
other similar documentation concerning the building, structure, site, area or object.
6.2. The results of the investigation conducted pursuant to paragraph 6.1 above shall be
compiled into a report, which shall be reviewed by the Commission and, upon the
Commission’s approval, shall be forwarded to the Office of Archives and History, North
Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, for its review and comment.
6.3 The Commission shall conduct a public hearing either jointly with the Town Board or
separately, on the proposed ordinance. Notice of the public hearing shall be mailed to
the owner(s) of the building, structure, site, area or object at least ten (10) but not more
than twenty-five (25) days prior to the public hearing, and notice shall also be mailed to
adjoining or nearby property owners as stated in paragraph 7.2 below.
6.4 After the public hearing, and after either (a) receipt and consideration of comments
from the State Historic Preservation Officer in response to the report submitted
pursuant to paragraph 6.2 above, or (b) the expiration of 30 days from submission of the
report by the Commission without any response or comments by the State Historic
Preservation Officer, the Commission shall make a recommendation to the Town Board
concerning the adoption of an ordinance designating the building, structure, site, area
or object as a landmark.
7.0 Application Procedures
7.1 Filing of Application. A complete application must be filed with the secretary on forms
provided at least 10 workingdays prior to the next meeting of the Commission,
accompanied by all submittal requirements as deemed necessary by the staff, including
but not limited to site plans, elevations, a narrative, and an exterior materials list. The
application must comply with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance
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and the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines. Applications shall be
accompanied by the required fees and supporting information. Review and permits
needed from other Boards should be secured before an application is heard by the
Commission unless otherwise determined by staff. If the other Board(s) tables an
application, the Commission should also table any such application until approval is
received unless the Commission feels as though a decision can still be made on the item
without concurrence from another Board. If the permit(s) are denied, the application to
the Commission shall be considered withdrawn.
7.2 Notice to Neighboring Property. The secretary shall notify by mail, not less than seven
days prior to the meeting at which the application is to be heard, all of the property
owners within 100 feet on all sides of the subject property.
7.3 Pre-application Meetings. It shall be the policy of the Commission in regard to
applications involving extensive new structures or alterations or additions to existing
structures that the Commission shall be available to meet with the applicant and or
representative at some early stage in the design process in order to advise them
informally concerning the Commission's standards and guidelines, the nature of the area
where the proposed construction is to take place, and other relevant factors. The
Commission, collectively and individually, shall refrain from any indication of approval or
disapproval, but shall not, for this reason, be barred from reasonable discussion of the
applicant's proposals. No advice or opinion given, or reported as having been given, by
any member of the Commission at such informal meeting shall be in any official or
binding upon the Commission at any future time. Notice of the need for such a
conference shall be given to applicants by the secretary at the earliest possible time.
Such conferences may also be requested by the applicant.
7.4 Public Hearing. In cases where the Commission deems it necessary, it may hold a public
hearing concerning an application.
7.5 Decision Timeline. All applications for certificates of appropriateness shall be reviewed
and acted upon within a reasonable time, not to exceed 180 days from the date that a
complete application for a Certificate of Appropriateness is filed, unless an extension of
time is agreed to by the applicant.
7.6 Approved Application. If the application is approved, the secretary shall transmit a
Certificate of Appropriateness clearly describing the nature of the work which has been
approved within 7 business days from the date of approval.
7.7 Denied application. If the application is denied, a letter describing the reasons for
denial shall be sent to the applicant by the secretary within 7 business days from the
date of denial. The minutes of the meeting shall also be made available at the Planning
Department.
7.8 Revocation of Certificate of Appropriateness. The Zoning Officer shall revoke any
Certificate of Appropriateness where the project is not completed in the same manner
as approved by the Commission. Revocation of a Certificate of Appropriateness
5
constitutes a violation of the Unified Development Ordinance and shall be handled as
such.
8.0 Consideration of Applications
Any party may appear in person or by agent or attorney at the meeting. All persons addressing the
Commission shall be sworn.
The order of business for consideration of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness shall be as
follows:
1. The secretary shall give a presentation of the application including all supporting
material submitted.
2. The applicant shall present additional information in support of the application.
3. Statements or arguments in favor or in opposition of the application will be entered into
the record by sworn testimony.
4. The chairman, or such person as he or she directs shall summarize the evidence which
has been presented, giving all parties an opportunity to make objections or corrections.
5. The Commission shall thereafter proceed to deliberate whether to grant the Certificate
or deny the application.
The Commission may, at its discretion, view the premises and obtain additional facts concerning the
application before arriving at a decision. All decisions of the Commission shall be supported by
appropriate findings of fact, and where necessary, shall be accompanied by such conditions and or
recommendations as it may determine to be reasonable under the circumstances.
In considering an application, witnesses may be called and factual evidence may be submitted, but the
Commission shall not be limited to considerations of such evidence as would be admissible in a court of
law.
9.0 Reconsideration of Applications which have been denied
The order of business for reconsideration of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness which have
been denied shall be as follows:
1. The chairman shall entertain a motion from a member of the Commission that the
applicant be allowed to present evidence in support of the request for reconsideration.
Such evidence shall be limited to that which is necessary to enable the Commission to
determine whether or not there has been a substantial change in the facts, evidence, or
conditions relating to the application; provided, however that the applicant shall be
given the opportunity to present any other additional supporting evidence, if the
Commission decided to reconsider his or her application.
2. After receiving the evidence, the Commission shall proceed to deliberate whether or not
there has been a substantial change in the facts, evidence, or conditions relating to the
application which would warrant reconsideration. If the Commission finds that there
has been such a change, it shall thereupon treat the request as a new application
received at that time.
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3. Notice of possible reconsideration shall be given to the Secretary in advance of the
meeting so that the item can be researched and included in the agenda packet.
Notifications required in Section 6.2 shall also be made prior to Commission
reconsideration.
10.0 Modifications of Applications
A pending application for a Certificate of Appropriateness may be modified during the Commission's
deliberation. Such modifications shall be accompanied by elevations, plans, and sketches where
necessary. If the Commission finds that the modification constitutes a substantial change which might
affect surrounding property owners, it shall request the Secretary notify affected owners following the
procedure set out in Section 6.2 before taking action on the application. The Commission shall
thereupon treat the request in the same manner as any other application as outlines in Section 6.0.
An approved Certificate of Appropriateness may be modified upon consultation with the Zoning Officer.
If he/she finds that the modification constitutes a substantial change which might affect surrounding
property owners, he/she shall request that a new application be made to the Commission. Upon re-
application, the project shall be treated in the same manner as any other application as outlines in
Section 6.0.
11.0 Extensions and Re-Applications
The Certificate of Appropriateness is valid for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance. If
the work approved by the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness has not commenced within
twelve months, the Certificate becomes inactive. A new Certificate of Appropriateness may be issued
by the Zoning Officer if he/she can determine that there have been no changes to the application or
significant changes in the neighborhood or regulations during the past twelve months. If the Zoning
Officer cannot make this determination, the applicant shall re-apply for a new Certificate of
Appropriateness with notification and review procedures the same as a new application.
If the work approved by the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness has not been complete within
twelve months, the Certificate expires, and the applicant shall apply for an extension to the original
application. This extension may be approved by the Zoning Officer if he/she can determine that there
have been no changes to the application or significant changes in the neighborhood or regulations in the
past twelve months. If this determination cannot be made, the application will be considered with the
standard notification and review procedures by the Commission. This review is to ensure that no
significant changes have taken place in the neighborhood or regulations in the past twelve months that
would make the project unacceptable or incompatible.
A new Certificate of Appropriateness requires payment of a new application fee; however, an extension
issued by the Zoning Officer does not require payment of the standard fee.
12.0 Emergency Works
Work that is of an emergency nature may be brought before the Commission without meeting the filing
deadline established in Section 6.1. These applications do not require the standard neighbor
notifications described in Section 6.2. Instead, the applicant or Zoning Officer must notify the
neighboring property owners at least 2 hours before the meeting, either in person or by hand delivered
notice. Any application approved under this section will carry approval with conditions that the
neighbors do not have significant complaint regarding the work. Neighboring property owners will be
allowed the standard seven days to comment on the application.
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An emergency work is defined as any repair or reconstruction which must be done before a meeting of
the Historic District Commission that would allow the application to comply by the filing deadline AND
that is absolutely necessary to maintain the long term structural integrity of the structure or is necessary
to prevent imminent harm to the public. This includes, but is not limited to: significant storm damage,
vandalism, fire damage, and other unforeseeable circumstances of an emergency nature. The
determination of emergency status is the responsibility of the Zoning Officer.
13.0 Certain Actions Exempted
Certain actions of regular maintenance or of a temporary nature are exempted from obtaining a
Certificate of Appropriateness. These actions are limited to the following:
1. Street, sidewalk and underground utility work which does not change the appearance of
the streetscape. This includes but is not limited to the burial of overhead lines,
replacement of water and sewer lines, replacement of sidewalks, and the replacement
and/or installation of standard utility boxes. This exemption is also extended to utility
meters for gas, water, electricity, and the like.
2. Painting the same color as existing paint, including slight variation in shade of the same
base color as determined by the Zoning Officer.
3. Replacement of roof or roofing material, if the shape, dimensions, and color are the
same as those previously existing, including slight variations in materials and colors as
determined by the Zoning Officer.
4. Temporary signs and flags listed as exempt in Section 6.18.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
5. One residential occupant sign per lot not exceeding 4 square feet with the address,
occupant’s name, name of structure, and dates located in the front or side yard outside
the public right-of- way. These signs must also be constructed of wood, painted or
stained white and not exceed 6 feet in height.
6. Historical markers placed by the Historical Society or the State of North Carolina.
7. Play equipment (not exceeding 300 square feet in area) and movable play houses (not
exceeding 100 square feet) when located in the backyard.
8. Moveable outside furniture, except public facilities.
9. All window mounted HVAC units.
10. All minor landscaping which includes but is not limited to maintenance trimming,
removal of unhealthy shrubs and perennials, and creation of new landscaped areas.
11. Installation of radio and television antenna, but not towers. Installation of satellite
dishes, 20” or less in diameter, not attached to the front of the structure and not visible
from the street.
12. Repair/replacement of awnings canopies and shutters.
8
13. Installation/addition/removal of gutters and downspouts.
14. Installation of house numbers and mailboxes.
15. Removal of existing patios that are located behind the front line of the house and are
less than 144 square feet if they are not visible from the street.
16. Alteration of flat roof coverings.
17. Removal of storm windows.
18. Clear coat treatment to brick on the exterior of a historic mill recognized as a local
landmark provided that the brick was formerly an interior wall and now requires
treatment with clear coat sealer to keep the softer brick from degrading.
14.0 Action Required on Proposed Minor Works
Work of a minor nature, as set out below, does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness and may be
approved by the Zoning Officer if the work is described below and is appropriate to the District or the
Landmark. Approved applications for Minor Works shall be recorded and records kept in the Planning
Department. Minor Works include:
The following works of a minor nature do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness and may
be approved by the Zoning Officer if the work is described below and is appropriate to
the District or the Landmark:
1. Removal of artificial siding when the original siding is to be replaced or repaired and
painted or stained.
2. Installation of foundation vents on side and rear only, soffit and roof vents, gable end
vents, replacement of wood access doors, and installation of foundation access doors
that cannot be easily seen from the street.
3. Installation of mechanical equipment such as heating and air conditioning units that are
screened from general public view (setbacks must be met).
4. Residential fences located behind the front line of the house, made of wood or wood
with welded wire that are picket, post and rail, split rail, or privacy. Privacy fences may
be no taller than 6 feet but garden enclosures may extend to 7 feet if the final foot is
wire. Fences made of wood post and welded wire must include a top and bottom rail.
Picket, split rail, and post and rail fences may be no taller than 4 feet.
5. Pet enclosures of any non-opaque fencing material that are not attached to the house
and behind the rear line of the house, and enclose less than 25% of the lot.
6. New or replacement stone or red brick walkways of width 2’ to 5’ for District properties
and 2’x8’ for historic mills properties recognized as local landmarks. Brick is not to be
used as a replacement material when the original material is stone, metal, wood or
other natural material. These materials should be replaced in kind. Concrete is an
acceptable walkway material for Landmark properties.
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7. New or replacement stone or red brick steps not to exceed 7 risers. Brick is not to be
used as a replacement material when the original material is stone, metal, wood or
other natural material. These materials should be replaced in kind. Concrete is an
acceptable material for steps for landmark properties.
8. Construction of patios made of wood, stone, or brick that are located behind the front
line of the structure and less than 600 SF for a district property or 3000 SF for historic
mills properties recognized as local landmarks.
9. A flagpole (not exceeding 25’) or flagpole base (not to exceed 25 square feet).
10. Replacement of missing, deteriorated, or damaged portions of structures, provided
there is little change in appearance and dimension, with new materials that are identical
or closely similar in color and composition to those previously existing. Extensive repair
or replacement of any structure or portion of a structure requires Commission review if
the Zoning Officer determines the change in appearance or dimension to be significant.
11. Landscaping that does not alter the streetscape. This includes but is not limited to the
installation of garden furniture trellises, arbors, and the like behind the front line of the
house or as part of an existing hedge, retaining structures that do not exceed 2 feet in
height, and removal of trees that are smaller than 12” DBH (diameter at breast height-4
to 4.5’ above ground) using a circumferential measurement of all trunks and stems of
the same tree divided by pi (3.14) to calculate the diameter. Removal of healthy
foundation plantings, hedges, or extensive landscaped areas visible from the street
requires Commission approval.
12. Minor alterations to existing private drives and public streets such as maintenance
grading, resurfacing, re-alignment, and the repair of gravel, concrete or asphalt.
13. Reinstallation of above ground fuel tanks (propane, oil, etc.) for residential use when
not located in the Number 1 fire district and screened from general public view. New
installations of these tanks must meet the above criteria and must also comply with all
conditions of the NC State Building Code.
14. Painting of previously painted surfaces and unpainted cinderblock. When the request
entails a new color combination for an entire structure, the main body and the trim shall
be a dark color/light color combination with no more than two additional accent colors
to receive staff approval.
15. Commercial signs of painted or sandblasted wood or non-printed metal construction
and window decals that comply with the requirements of the Unified Development
Ordinance in regard to size. Signs must be installed in traditional locations and must be
installed in such a way as to not damage or conceal architectural features or details.
Historic mill properties recognized as local landmarks may have campus or way-finding
signage, suite, or tenant signage that complies with the requirements of the Unified
Development Ordinance and is made of printed aluminum, painted metal, or painted
wood. All signs must be hung either parallel or perpendicular to building face.
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16. Installation of handicapped ramps constructed of wood. Such ramps must be removable
when they are no longer needed
17. Removal of existing accessory structures or buildings that are not architecturally or
historically significant and are less than 144 SF for a district property or 1,500 SF for
historic mills properties recognized as local landmarks
18. Alteration/addition to/removal of existing decks that are less than 4 feet tall and are
located behind the front line of the house.
19. Construction of new decks made of wood that are less than 4 feet tall and are located
behind the front line of the house and are less than 144 SF.
20. Alterations to existing patios located behind the front line of the house and less than
144 square feet.
21. Construction of new walls made of wood or stone or brick that are less than 4 feet tall
and are located behind the front line of the structure. Acceptable materials for walls at
historic mills properties recognized as local landmarks include parged masonry block
with rowlock or basket weave brick cap, poured concrete wall with rowlock or basket
weave brick cap, or masonry block faced and capped with brick.
22. Alteration/addition to/removal of existing stairs and steps that are located behind the
front line of the structure.
23. Installation/alteration/removal of handrails made of wood or metal to existing steps and
stairs.
24. Installation/alteration/removal of temporary features that are necessary to ease
difficulties associated with a medical condition.
25. Alteration/addition/removal of gardens, planting beds, or shrubbery affecting less than
25% of the front yard that are not historically significant.
26. Installation of hedges or screen plantings that are located behind the front line of the
structure provided that they do not alter the streetscape.
27. Removal of existing fences, walls, hedges, and screen plantings that are not historically
significant and are less than 4 feet tall.
28. Installation/alteration/removal of storm doors and storm windows.
29. Installation/alteration of art such as but not limited to free standing sculpture and wall
mounted murals, mosaics, or metal installations that are not affixed to a building or site.
This minor work item is not intended to apply to common and seasonal decorations and
garden accents, which are exempt from review.
30. Installation/removal of awnings, canopies, and shutters provided that materials are
compatible with those previously approved.
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31. Replacement of asphalt shingle roof with standing seam or 5V metal roof in an
appropriate color and on buildings where metal roofs are historically and/or
architecturally appropriate.
32. Installation of a sandwich board sign, during open hours of business that is of A-frame
construction has a maximum of six square feet per side, does not exceed four feet in
height, is made of wood or metal, and has a wood frame that is elevated by the use of
feet or legs.
33. Removal of single, multi-stem, or multi-trunk trees larger than 12” in diameter (using a
circumferential measurement of all trunks or stems of the same tree divided by pi (3.14)
to calculate the diameter) at breast height (measured at 4-4.5 feet above the ground)
deemed by staff to be mature that have been severely damaged or brought down by
disease or extreme weather. A letter from an ISA certified arborist must be submitted to
verify the deterioration of the tree and its need for removal. Removal of healthy single,
multi-stem or multi-trunk trees over 12” DBH requires Commission approval.
34. Cleaning of masonry surfaces provided that the applicant demonstrates that there will
be no change in design, material, dimension, pattern, detail, texture, and color of the
masonry or mortar.
35. Changes to previous Certificates of Appropriateness deemed by staff not to be
substantial.
36. Installation/alteration/removal of low profile, photovoltaic, solar panels, skylights,
ventilators, and mechanical equipment or communications equipment when placed on
roof slopes that are not visible from public right-of-way and in locations that do not
compromise the architectural integrity of a building.
37. Repair/replacement/installation of windows at historic mill properties recognized as
local landmarks when the new windows are sized and configured to match the historic
wood windows, typically double hung sash windows, and are aluminum frame with
simulated divided lights and have mullion and frame profiles that are the best
approximation of the historic windows.
38. Removal, replacement, and installation of streetscape amenities proposed by the Town
of Hillsborough Public Space Division including but not limited to street furniture,
planters, signage, waste receptacles, bicycle racks, pavers, and railings that are identical
in design to amenities previously approved by the HDC and located on Town property
and within public rights of way.
39. Removal of trees if Town staff determines through field verification that the trees pose a
clear and immediate threat to public safety.
40. Removal of trees that are determined by Town staff through field verification to be
clearly dead.
41. Printed metal signs not exceeding 4 square feet in area mounted on metal U-channel
posts not exceeding 6 feet in height that are exempt under Sections 6.18.4.2 and
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6.18.4.7 to be erected on private property for safety, wayfinding, or to restrict
unauthorized use of or access to private property. Staff must approve the location and
orientation of the signs, which must be located behind the right-of-way line entirely on
private property, and oriented so as to not be confused with public signage.
42. Construction of “Little Free Libraries” in the front, side, or rear yard located outside of
the public right-of-way and are painted or stained a single muted color, are constructed
of wood or metal only, and are mounted on a single wood post painted or stained to
match the color of the box, with total height not to exceed six feet from ground to top
of the box and dimensions of the box not to exceed two feet in length, width, or height.
The handles/knobs shall be made of wood or metal only and the front window shall be
limited to plexiglass or a similar safety glass product. Roofing materials shall be limited
to wood or metal. Any proposed deviation in design or materials from these standards
requires a Certificate of Appropriateness.
43. Exterior changes to buildings or sites within the historic district or on local landmark
properties that are deemed by staff to clearly be minor in nature, such as slight
variations on existing minor works and other types of minor exterior changes including
items such as replacement of synthetic materials on building features when replaced
with wood or metal in the same configuration as the feature being replaced and other
items for which there have historically been consistent, recurring approval by the
Historic District Commission. Staff will refer Minor Work projects to the Historic District
Commission for review if in staff’s judgment the changes proposed involve alterations,
additions, or removals that will significantly alter the character or setting of a building or
site, do not meet the Guidelines, or are of a precedent-setting nature.
44. Individually cut and mounted vinyl letters or logos with absolutely no background
material, whether clear or otherwise, that are mounted to the interior of windows or
door glass on commercial buildings and are visible from the public right-of-way or
pedestrian areas in the historic district.
Adopted 11/2017
15.0 Design Guidelines
In 2000, the Town adopted the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines, which is designed as an
interpretive document for the Standards of Evaluation listed in Section 3.12.3 of the Unified
Development Ordinance. Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness will be weighed for
compatibility against the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines. Applications for changes to
Landmark properties will be evaluated against the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
The following topics are covered by specific design guidelines and are hereby listed and incorporated
into this document as a part of the Rules of Procedure.
1. Changes to Existing Building Exteriors
a) Masonry
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b) Wood
c) Architectural Metals
d) Paint and Exterior Colors
e) Exterior Walls
f) Windows and Doors
g) Roofs
h) Porches, Entrances, and Balconies
i) Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations
j) Utilities and Energy Retrofit
k) Outbuildings and Garages
l) Storefronts
2. New Construction and Additions
a) New Construction of Primary Buildings
b) New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages
c) Additions to Existing Buildings
d) Decks
3. Historic District Setting
a) Site Features and Plantings
b) Fences and Walls
c) Public Right-of-Way
d) Archaeological Features
e) Exterior Lighting
f) Signage
g) Art
4. Relocation and Demolition
a) Relocation of Existing Buildings
b) Demolition of Existing Buildings
16.0 Appeals Procedure (as per Section 3.12.12 of the Unified Development Ordinance)
A decision of the Commission on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness may be appealed on
procedural grounds to the Board of Adjustment by an aggrieved party. Such an appeal shall be made
within 30 days of the filing of the decision in the Planning Department or the delivery of the notice
required in Section 3.12.11 of the Unified Development Ordinance, whichever is later.
17.0 Amendments
These rules may, within the limits allowed by law, be amended at any time by an affirmative vote of not
less than four members of the Commission, provided that such amendment shall first have been
presented to the membership in writing at a regular or special meeting preceding the meeting at which
the vote was taken.
Initially approved by the Commission on the 2nd day of December 1982.
Revised and readopted by the Commission the 1st day of November 2017.
Amended: November 7, 1989
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June 6, 1990
July 18, 1990
March 20, 1991
January 15, 1992
July 17, 1996
Sept 5, 2007
July 3, 2013
August 6, 2014
November 5, 2014
January 7, 2015
November 1, 2017
April 4
__ Reid Highley____________ _4/4/2018_
Chairman, Historic District Commission Date
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1.0 Purpose
To establish procedures for organizing the business of the Hillsborough Historic District Commission, hereafter termed
“Commission”, and processing applications for Certificate of Appropriateness for (1) Changes in the exterior appearance
of existing structures and/or streetscapes: (2) the design of new structures and additions to existing structures: and (3)
for demolition of existing structures within the Hillsborough Historic District, hereafter called “District”, and to establish
procedures for the
Commission’s review of potential “landmarks” and applications for certificates of appropriateness for such “landmarks”.
1.1 Mission Statement. To identify, protect, and preserve Hillsborough’s architectural resources and to
educate the public about those resources and preservation in general. The Hillsborough Historic District presents a visual
history of Hillsborough’s development from the 1700s to the 1960s. In 1973, the town chose to respect that history
through the passage of the preservation ordinance creating the historic district.
1.2 Public Charge. The Hillsborough Historic District Commission pledges to the citizens of Hillsborough its
respect. The commission asks members of the public to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner with the
commission members and with fellow citizens. At any time should any member of the commission or any citizen fail to
observe this public charge, the chair or the chair’s designee will ask the offending person to leave the meeting until that
individual regains personal control. Should decorum fail to be restored, the chair or the chair’s designee will recess the
meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge can be observed.
2.0 General Rules
The Commission shall be governed by the terms of the Town of Hillsborough Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the
Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines, and by the terms of G.S. 160A-400.1 through 160A-400.14, as they may
be amended or revised. For procedures not covered by these rules, the Commission shall follow the rules contained in the
current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
3.0 Jurisdiction
The Commission’s jurisdiction for requiring Certificates of Appropriateness is mandated by the Town of Hillsborough
Historic District Section 4.3.1 of the Unified Development Ordinance (“UDO”) in accordance with the Zoning Map. In
addition, The Commission’s jurisdiction with respect to “landmarks” is established by Section 2.5 and Section 3.12 of the
UDO.
4.0 Members, Officers, and Duties
The Commission shall be composed of seven members, whose terms of office are set by the Hillsborough Board of
Commissioners
4.1 Chairman. A chairman shall be elected by the members of the Historic District Commission. The chairman
shall decide all points of order and procedure, subject to these rules, unless directed otherwise by a
majority of the Commission in session at a time. The chairman shall appoint any committees found
necessary to investigate any matters before the Commission.
4.2 Vice-Chairman. A vice-chairman shall be elected by the Commission from among its members in the same
manner as the chairman. The vice- chairman shall serve as acting chairman in the absence of the chairman,
and at such times shall have the same powers and duties as the chairman. Should both the chairman and
the vice-chairman be absent, any member may serve as chairman with the consent of the majority of
those members present.
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4.3 Secretary. A member of the staff designated by the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners or the Zoning
Officer shall serve as secretary to the Commission. The secretary, subject to the direction of the chairman
of the Commission, shall keep records, conduct all correspondence of the Commission, and generally
supervise the clerical work of the Commission. The secretary shall not be eligible to vote upon any matter.
4.4 Elections. Whenever practical, election of officers shall be held at the first regular meeting in October.
The secretary shall make the election of officers a standing agenda item for the first regular meeting in
October. The Secretary shall assume the chair for the purpose of administering the election of the chair.
The Secretary shall open the floor to nominations for the chair by Board members. Nominees must be
present at the organizational meeting in order to be eligible for nomination. The Secretary shall then
entertain a motion to close the floor to nominations. After the motion has been seconded, but before the
Board acts on the motion, any nominee may decline a nomination. Election of the chair shall be by roll
call vote. A majority of the quorum of the Board present at the organizational meeting shall be required
for election of the chair. Once a chair has been elected, the newly elected chair of the Board shall assume
the duties of the chair and shall proceed immediately to the election of the vice chair. The election of the
vice chair shall follow the same procedure as set forth above for the election of the chair.
4.5 Attendance at meetings.Within 6 months of initial appointment to the Commission, a new member must
attend a Town Board meeting and an orientation session with training staff. Faithful and prompt
attendance at all meetings of the Commission and conscientious performance of the duties required of
members shall be a prerequisite to continuing membership on the Commission. Attendance at regularly
scheduled board meetings is critical to continued membership on a board. Staff shall notify any board
member with 4 absences within a calendar year that regular attendance is required and future absences
may impact continued participation. If a board member has 6 absences within a calendar year, their
membership is automatically ended unless reappointed by the town board within 30 days. Should a
member fail to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Commission, and should there be no
adequate excuses for such absences, the chairman, with the concurrence of the majority of the entire
Commission, shall notify the Board of Commissioners of a vacancy on the Commission and request that it
be filled. Excused absences shall include but are not limited to: personal or family illness, death in the
family, work related, and other leaves of absence provided reasonable notice is given to the Secretary.
The secretary shall notify any member absent, without an approved excuse or proper notice from two
consecutive meetings, of this requirement prior to the next regular meeting.
4.6 Disqualification of a voting member. Pursuant to G.S. 160A-388(e1) “A member of the board or any other
body exercising quasi-judicial functions pursuant to this Article shall not participate in or vote on any
quasi-judicial matter in a manner that would violate affected persons' constitutional rights to an impartial
decision maker. Impermissible conflicts include, but are not limited to, a member having a fixed opinion
prior to hearing the matter that is not susceptible to change, undisclosed ex parte communications, a
close familial, business, or other associational relationship with an affected person, or a financial interest
in the outcome of the matter. If an objection is raised to a member's participation and that member does
not recuse himself or herself, the remaining members shall by majority vote rule on the objection.”
4.7 Qualification to vote. No Commission member shall vote on any matter deciding an application or a
request to reconsider unless that member shall have attended the Commission’s previous deliberations
on such application, or shall have read the minutes of the meetings at which the application was discussed
and is thoroughly familiar with the facts and details of the proposal.
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4.8 General Knowledge. Each member of the Commission shall be thoroughly familiar with all statutes, laws,
ordinances, and rules of procedure relating to the District and the Commission as time and circumstance
permit.
4.9 Required Training. Each member of the Commission shall be thoroughly familiar with all statutes, laws,
ordinances, and rules of procedure relating to the District and the Commission as time and circumstance
permit. At least two members per fiscal year shall attend required training to meet the Town’s Certified
Local Government (CLG) training requirements at the direction of staff.
4.10 Vote. The majority of those members present or a concurring vote of at least three (3) members of the
Board, if only 5 or less members are present, shall be necessary in order to decide in favor of the applicant
or any matter upon which it is required to pass by this Ordinance. A tie vote on the Findings of Fact does
not halt procedure deliberation on an application. A tie vote on a Motion does not constitute a majority
of the board members present and therefore the Motion fails.
4. 11 Member Conduct. Membership on the Commission is a privilege in service to the Town of Hillsborough
and shall be treated as such. All members of the Commission shall at all times:
A. Provide leadership to the Commission and the Town of Hillsborough, by personal example, in support
of the Commission’s mission statement.
B. Respect others and not bully, insult, threaten, or attempt to bully, insult, or threaten any member of
staff, the Commission, or the General Public.
C. Respect the confidentiality of information which you receive as a member by not disclosing confidential
information to third parties unless required by law to do so or where there is a clear and over-riding public
interest in doing so; and not obstructing third parties’ legal rights of access to information.
D. Conduct themselves in a manner which will prevent the Commission from being held in disrepute.
E. Use their position as a member acting only in the public interest, and not for personal advantage,
including financial gain.
F. Comply with the Commission’s Design Guidelines as written, where any deviation from the adopted
Design Guidelines shall be based on sound reasoning in accordance with the Commission’s mission
statement and shall first require an amendment to the Design Guidelines before taking such action.
G. Exercise independent judgement, making decisions only for the public good, and making no decisions
that would knowingly jeopardize the Town’s Certified Local Government status or put the Town in a legally
indefensible position.
H. Do nothing that causes the Commission to act unlawfully.
I. Take no action that would be incongruous with the special character of Hillsborough’s historic district.
4.12 Violation of Rules of Procedure. Members found to be in violation of one or more of the Rules of Procedure
outlined in Sections 1.2, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, and/or 4.11, shall be, at the discretion of the Planning Director,
Mayor, and/or Town Board, subject to either counseling, coaching, probation (with a final opportunity to
correct the adverse action), or dismissal from the Commission. The severity of the violation as it relates
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Historic District Commission
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to carrying out the duties of the Commission, shall determine the appropriate action to be taken by the
Town.
4. 13 Reappointment and Resignation of Members. Members in good standing desiring to serve a second
consecutive term on the Commission shall notify staff a minimum of 60 calendar days prior to the
expiration date for their current term. Staff will then consult with the Chair and the Planning Director to
determine whether a second term will be recommended. Among the factors to be considered in making
this determination will be the Member’s attendance record, regular participation in discussion at
meetings, member conduct at meetings, and whether the Town has other applicants seeking to serve on
the Commission. Should a member be recommended for reappointment, he or she will be permitted to
serve a second consecutive three-year term in accordance with Town ordinance. Should a member in
good standing voluntarily decide not to serve a second term, he or she will be permitted to re-apply after
a one-year period lapses between terms. Should a member voluntarily resign prior to completion of his
or her term without providing staff proper notice, he or she will be ineligible for reappointment for a
period of no less than 1 year following the date of resignation. Finally, should a member not be
recommended for reappointment for any reason, he or she may serve the rest of his or her current term,
after which a new appointee shall begin his or her service to the Commission.
5.0 Meetings
5.1 Regular meetings. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the first Wednesday of each
month at 7:00pm at the Town Barn; provided, that meetings may be held at some other convenient place
and/or time if directed by the chairman, if proper notification is given in advance to both the Commission
and the public, and if posted at the scheduled meeting place.
5.2 Special meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called at any time by the chairman. At least
48 hours’ notice of time and place of special meetings shall be given by the secretary or chairman to each
member of the Commission, and a reasonable attempt shall be made to provide notice to the public of
the meeting as soon as it is known.
5.3 Cancellation of meetings. Whenever there is no business for the Commission, the secretary may dispense
with a regular meeting by the giving of notice to all members and the public not less than 24 hours prior
to the time set for the meetings.
5.4 Quorum. A quorum of the Commission, necessary to conduct any business, shall follow State statute. If
no quorum is present after the Secretary does the roll call, then the chairman may call for adjournment
of the meeting.
5.5 Conduct of meetings. All meetings shall be open to the public, but are not necessarily public hearings. The
public may attend, but public comment shall be limited to those members of the public who have expert
testimony or factual evidence directly related to an application on the agenda. Other public comments
are permissible at the discretion of the Chairman, but shall not be used to render the Commission’s
decision on an agenda item. The order of business for regular meetings shall be as follows unless
otherwise modified: (1) Call to order; (2) Roll call; (3) Confirmation of a quorum; (4) Mission statement;
(5) Agenda changes; (6) Minutes review and approval; (7) Election of officers (if applicable); (8) Old
business items; (9) New business items; (10) Updates; and (11) Adjournment.
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6.0 Landmarks
From time to time, the Commission may be asked to consider recommending to the Town Board the adoption of an
ordinance designation of a building, structure, site, area or object, as a landmark, or that such landmark designation be
revoked or removed for cause. The following rules shall guide the Commission in the process.
6.1. When a building, structure, site, area or object is proposed for designation as a landmark, the Commission
shall cause an investigation to be made concerning the historical, architectural, pre-historical, educational
or cultural significance thereof. The investigation may include review of existing written reports,
assessments, analyses and other similar documentation concerning the building, structure, site, area or
object.
6.2. The results of the investigation conducted pursuant to paragraph 6.1 above shall be compiled into a
report, which shall be reviewed by the Commission and, upon the Commission’s approval, shall be
forwarded to the Office of Archives and History, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, for its
review and comment.
6.3 The Commission shall conduct a public hearing either jointly with the Town Board or separately, on the
proposed ordinance. Notice of the public hearing shall be mailed to the owner(s) of the building, structure,
site, area or object at least ten (10) but not more than twenty-five (25) days prior to the public hearing,
and notice shall also be mailed to adjoining or nearby property owners as stated in paragraph 7.3 below.
6.4 After the public hearing, and after either (a) receipt and consideration of comments from the State
Historic Preservation Officer in response to the report submitted pursuant to paragraph 6.2 above, or (b)
the expiration of 30 days from submission of the report by the Commission without any response or
comments by the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Commission shall make a recommendation to
the Town Board concerning the adoption of an ordinance designating the building, structure, site, area or
object as a landmark.
7.0 Application Procedures
7.1 Filing of Application. A complete application must be filed with the secretary on forms provided at least
15 working days prior to the next meeting of the Commission, accompanied by all submittal requirements
as deemed necessary by the staff, including but not limited to site plans, elevations, a narrative, and an
exterior materials list. The application must comply with the requirements of the Unified Development
Ordinance and the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines. Applications shall be accompanied by
the required fees and supporting information. Review and permits needed from other Boards should be
secured before an application is heard by the Commission unless otherwise determined by staff. If the
other Board(s) tables an application, the Commission should also table any such application until approval
is received unless the Commission feels as though a decision can still be made on the item without
concurrence from another Board. If the permit(s) are denied, the application to the Commission shall be
considered withdrawn.
7.2 Agenda Scheduling. Applicants are encouraged to submit complete application packages as early as
possible, as the Commission allows a maximum of four major certificate applications on each agenda,
unless otherwise approved by staff. Any applications that are incomplete or received after the first four
deemed complete by staff may be moved to the next agenda with available space. Complete applications
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for work deemed to be minor, but which still requires commission review, will be added to agendas as
space is available at staff’s discretion.
7.3 Notice to Neighboring Property. The secretary shall notify all of the property owners within 100 feet on
all sides of the subject property by mail, which shall bear postmarks not less than 10 days prior to the date
of the meeting at which the application is to be heard.
7.4 Pre-application Meetings. It shall be the policyof the Commission in regard to
applications involving extensive new structures or alterations or additions to existing structures that the
Commission shall be available to meet with the applicant and or representative at some early stage in the
design process in order to advise them informally concerning the Commission's standards and guidelines,
the nature of the area where the proposed construction is to take place, and other relevant factors. The
Commission, collectively and individually, shall refrain from any indication of approval or disapproval, but
shall not, for this reason, be barred from reasonable discussion of the applicant's proposals. No advice or
opinion given, or reported as having been given, by any member of the Commission at such informal
meeting shall be in any official or binding upon the Commission at any future time. Notice of the need for
such a conference shall be given to applicants by the secretary at the earliest possible time. Such
conferences may also be requested by the applicant.
7.5 Public Hearing. In cases where the Commission deems it necessary, it may hold a public hearing
concerning an application.
7.6 Decision Timeline. All applications for certificates of appropriateness shall be reviewed and acted upon
within a reasonable time, not to exceed 180 days from the date that a complete application for a
Certificate of Appropriateness is filed, unless an extension of time is agreed to by the applicant.
7.7 Approved Application. If the application is approved, the secretary shall transmit a
Certificate of Appropriateness clearly describing the nature of the work which has been approved within
7 business days from the date of approval.
7.8 Denied application. If the application is denied, a letter describing the reasons for
denial shall be sent to the applicant by the secretary within 7 business days from the date of denial. The
minutes of the meeting shall also be made available at the Planning Department.
7.9 Revocation of Certificate of Appropriateness. The Zoning Officer shall revoke any
Certificate of Appropriateness where the project is not completed in the same manner as approved by
the Commission. Revocation of a Certificate of Appropriateness constitutes a violation of the Unified
Development Ordinance and shall be handled as such.
8.0 Consideration of Applications
Any party may appear in person or by agent or attorney at the meeting. All persons addressing the Commission shall be
sworn in.
The order of business for consideration of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness shall be as follows:
1. The secretary shall give a presentation of the application including all supporting material submitted.
2. The applicant shall present additional information in support of the application.
3. Statements or arguments in favor or in opposition of the application will be entered into
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the record by sworn testimony.
4. The chairman, or such person as he or she directs shall summarize the evidence which
has been presented, giving all parties an opportunity to make objections or corrections.
5. The Commission shall thereafter proceed to deliberate whether to grant the Certificate
or deny the application.
The Commission may, at its discretion, view the premises and obtain additional facts concerning the application before
arriving at a decision. All decisions of the Commission shall be supported by appropriate findings of fact, and where
necessary, shall be accompanied by such conditions and or recommendations as it may determine to be reasonable under
the circumstances.
In considering an application, witnesses may be called and factual evidence may be submitted, but the Commission shall
not be limited to considerations of such evidence as would be admissible in a court of law.
9.0 Reconsideration of Applications which have been denied
The order of business for reconsideration of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness which have been denied shall
be as follows:
1. Notice of possible reconsideration shall be given to the Secretary in advance of the
meeting so that the item can be researched and included in the agenda packet. Notifications required in
Section 7.3 shall also be made prior to Commission reconsideration.
2. The chairman shall entertain a motion from a member of the Commission that the applicant be allowed
to present new evidence in support of the request for reconsideration. Such evidence shall be limited to
that which is necessary to enable the Commission to determine whether or not there has been a
substantialchange in the facts, evidence, or conditions relating to the application; provided, however that
the applicant shall be given the opportunity to present any other additional supporting evidence, if the
Commission decides to reconsider his or her application.
3. After receiving the evidence, the Commission shall proceed to deliberate whether or not there has been
a substantial change in the facts, evidence, or conditions relating to the application which would warrant
reconsideration. If the Commission finds that there has been such achange, it shall thereupon treat the
request as a new application received at that time.
4. Staff shall provide written notice of the Commission’s decision on reconsideration to the applicant within
7 business days of the date of the meeting at which the decision was made.
10.0 Modifications of Applications
A pending application for a Certificate of Appropriateness may be modified during the Commission's deliberation. Such
modifications shall be accompanied by elevations, plans, and sketches where necessary. If the Commission finds that the
modification constitutes a substantial change which might affect surrounding property owners, it shall request the
Secretary notify affected owners following the procedure set out in Section 7.3 before acting on the application. The
Commission shall thereupon treat the request in the same manner as any other application as outlined in Section 7.0.
An approved Certificate of Appropriateness may be modified upon consultation with the Zoning Officer. If he/she finds
that the modification constitutes a substantial change which might affect surrounding property owners, he/she shall
request that a new application be made to the Commission. Upon re-application, the project shall be treated in the same
manner as any other application as outlined in Section 7.0.
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11.0 Extensions and Re-Applications
The Certificate of Appropriateness is valid for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance. If the work approved
by the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness has not commenced within twelve months, the Certificate becomes
inactive. A new Certificate of Appropriateness may be issued by the Zoning Officer if he/she can determine that there
have been no changes to the application or significant changes in the neighborhood or regulations during the past twelve
months. If the Zoning Officer cannot make this determination, the applicant shall re-apply for a new Certificate of
Appropriateness with notification and review procedures the same as a new application.
If the work approved by the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness has not been complete within twelve months,
the Certificate expires, and the applicant shall apply for an extension to the original application. This extension may be
approved by the Zoning Officer if he/she can determine that there have been no changes to the application or significant
changes in the neighborhood or regulations in the past twelve months. If this determination cannot be made, the
application will be considered with the standard notification and review procedures by the Commission. This review is to
ensure that no significant changes have taken place in the neighborhood or regulations in the past twelve months that
would make the project unacceptable or incompatible.
A new Certificate of Appropriateness requires payment of a new application fee; however, an extension issued by the
Zoning Officer does not require payment of the standard fee.
12.0 Emergency Works
Work that is of an emergency nature may be brought before the Commission without meeting the filing deadline
established in Section 6.1. These applications do not require the standard neighbor notifications described in Section 6.2.
Instead, the applicant or Zoning Officer must notify the neighboring property owners at least 2 hours before the meeting,
either in person or by hand delivered notice. Any application approved under this section will carry approval with
conditions that the neighbors do not have significant complaint regarding the work. Neighboring property owners will be
allowed the standard seven days to comment on the application.
An emergency work is defined as any repair or reconstruction which must be done before a meeting of the Historic District
Commission that would allow the application to comply by the filing deadline AND that is absolutely necessary to maintain
the long term structural integrity of the structure or is necessary to prevent imminent harm to the public. This includes,
but is not limited to: significant storm damage, vandalism, fire damage, and other unforeseeable circumstances of an
emergency nature. The determination of emergency status is the responsibility of the Zoning Officer.
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13.0 Exempt Works – No Certificate of Appropriateness Required (updated 08/01/2018)
Certain actions of regular maintenance or of a temporary nature are exempted from obtaining a Certificate of
Appropriateness. These actions are limited to the following items, and any proposal should still be submitted to staff for
review to verify that the work proposed qualifies for this exemption:
I.Changes to Existing Building Exteriors
A.Masonry:
1.Clear coat treatment to brick on the exterior of a historic mill recognized as a local landmark,
provided that the brick was formerly an interior wall and now requires treatment with clearcoat sealer to
keep the softer brick from degrading.
B.Wood:
C.Architectural Metals:
D.Paint and Exterior Color:
1.Painting the same color as existing paint, including slight variations in shade of the same base
color as determined by the Zoning Officer.
E.Exterior Walls:
1.
Installation of house numbers and mailboxes affixed to a building in such a way to avoid damaging
.
the exterior walls of a building
F.Windows and Doors:
G.Roofs:
1.Replacement of roof or roofing material, if the shape, dimensions, and color are the same as those
previously existing, including slight variations in materials and colors as determined by the Zoning Officer.
2.Alteration of existing flat roof coverings.
3.Installation/addition/removal of gutters and downspouts.
H.Porches, Entrances, and Balconies:
I.Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations:
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J.Utilities and Energy Retrofit:
1.All window-mounted HVAC units.
2.Installation, alteration, or removal of antennae for public utilities that are regulated by the North
Carolina Utilities Commission, and that do not change the appearance of the streetscape and are not
visible from public rights-of-way and are screened from general public view.
3.Installation of satellite dishes, 20” or less in diameter, that are not attached to the front of the
structure and not visible from the street.
4.Repair/replacement in kind of awnings or canopies made of fabric, metal, or canvas. Existing
awnings or canopies made of synthetic materials, such as plastic or vinyl may not be replaced under this
exempt work.
5.Removal of storm windows or storm doors.
K.Outbuildings and Garages:
L.Storefronts:
II.New Construction and Additions
A.New Construction of Primary Buildings:
B.New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages:
C.Additions to Existing Buildings:
D.Decks:
III.Historic District Setting
A.Site Features and Plantings:
1.Play equipment (not exceeding 300 square feet in area), and tree houses or movable play houses
(not exceeding 100 square feet) when located in the backyard.
2.Movable outside furniture, except public facilities.
3.All minor landscaping which includes, but is not limited to, maintenance trimming, removal of
unhealthy shrubs and perennials, garden accents, and creation of new landscaped areas.
4.Installation of post-mounted mailboxes on wood or metal posts that meet United States Postal
Service requirements for size, location, and design and that do not exceed six feet in height above grade.
B.Fences and Walls:
1.Removal of synthetic fencing materials and chain link fencing.
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C.Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking:
1.Minor alterations to existing private drives and public streets such as maintenance grading,
resurfacing, re-alignment, and the repair of existing driveway surfaces.
D.Public Rights-of-Way:
1.
Street, sidewalk and underground utility work which does not change the appearance of the
streetscape. This includes but is not limited to the burial of overhead lines, replacement of water and
sewer lines, replacement of sidewalks, and the replacement and/or installation of standard utility boxes
and meters for gas, water, electricity, and the like, but shall not apply to wireless facilities or antennae.
.
This exempt work does not apply to new or replacement utility poles or street lights
E.Archaeological Features:
F.Exterior Lighting:
G.Signage:
1.Temporary signs and flags listed as exempt in Section 6.18.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
2.One residential occupant sign per lot not exceeding four square feet in area with the address,
occupant’s name, name of structure, and dates located in the front or side yard outside the public right-
of-way. These signs must also be constructed of wood, and painted or stained white and not exceed six
feet in height.
3.Historical markers placed by the Historical Society or the State of North Carolina.
H.Art:
1.Installation of common seasonal decorations that are intended for temporary use and are not
permanently affixed to a historic building or site.
IV.Relocation and Demolition
A.Relocation of Existing Buildings:
B.Demolition of Existing Buildings:
1.Demolition or removal of existing accessory structures, site features, or buildings that were built
or erected illegally outside the period of significance without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness.
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13.0 Minor Works – Staff-Level Review (updated 08/01/2018)
The following works of a minor nature do not require Historic District Commission approval unless referred by staff, but
rather, they may be approved through issuance of a minor works permit by the Zoning Officer if the proposed works meet
the criteria listed below and are appropriate to the District or the Landmark as determined by staff:
I.Changes to Existing Building Exteriors
A.Masonry:
1.Cleaning of masonry surfaces provided that the applicant demonstrates that there will be no
change in design, material, dimension, pattern, detail, texture, and color of the masonry or mortar.
Painting or staining brick requires Commission approval.
B.Wood:
1.Replacement of wood posts or columns that are not historically significant with wood posts or
columns of a design and scale appropriate to the architecture of the house. Changes to or replacement of
decorative exterior wood features on a historic building shall require Commission approval.
C.Architectural Metals:
1.Replacement or removal of non-historic or non-original architectural metal columns, posts,
railings and other features with wood. For properties within the period of significance, evidence that the
metal feature to be replaced is not original to the structure must be provided before staff can approve
replacement. Replacement or removal of original, historic architectural metal features requires
Commission approval.
D.Paint and Exterior Color:
1.Painting of previously-painted surfaces and unpainted cinderblock with traditional colors found
in the district. When the request entails a new color combination for an entire structure, the main body
and the trim shall be a dark color/light color combination with no more than two additional accent colors
to receive staff approval. Requests to paint a structure in a non-traditional color or color scheme, such as
pinks, pastels, vivid colors, or more than three total colors shall require Commission approval if staff
determines the color(s) or color combinations incompatible for the district.
E.Exterior Walls:
1.Removal of artificial siding when the original siding is to be replaced or repaired and painted or
stained.
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F.Windows and Doors:
1.Replacement of windows that are not historically significant, provided that the muntin
configuration remain the same as the windows being replaced, unless evidence is produced showing the
original muntin configuration was something different, in which case that original configuration shall be
used. Replacement windows shall be constructed of either wood or aluminum-clad wood with true or
simulated divided lights and with mullion and frame profiles that are the best approximation of the
original windows.
2.Replacement of original, historically-significant windows on historic structures shall require
Commission approval.
3.Replacement of doors that are not historically significant to a historic structure, which are
designed to closely match the design of the door being replaced, unless evidence shows the original door
design is different, in which case that configuration shall be used. Replacement front doors shall be
constructed of solid wood, and replacement side or rear doors shall be wood, fiberglass-clad wood,
fiberglass, or aluminum-clad wood. Replacement of historically significant doors shall require Commission
approval.
4.Repair/replacement/installation of windows at historic mill properties recognized as local
landmarks when the new windows are sized and configured to match the historic wood windows, typically
double hung sash windows, and are aluminum frame with simulated divided lights and have mullion and
frame profiles that are the best approximation of the historic windows.
G.Roofs:
1.Replacement of an asphalt shingle roof with standing seam or 5V metal roof in an appropriate
color as determined by staff. Requests for Master Rib and other alternative metal roofing crimps or non-
traditional colors shall require Commission approval.
2.Removal of non-historic rear elevation chimneys that are not visible from the front of the house
and are not connected to an interior feature (such as a wood-burning stove or fireplace requiring
ventilation through the chimney to be removed). Removal of functioning or historic chimneys, or
chimneys on front or side elevations that would potentially alter the character of the building shall require
Commission approval.
3.Repair or replacement in kind of missing portions of existing chimneys.
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H.Porches, Entrances, and Balconies:
1.New steps, not to exceed seven risers, that are made of wood, brick, stone, or other natural
materials and are located in front of a house or primary building and do not conceal a historic porch,
entrance, or balcony.
2.New steps located behind the front line of a house or primary building made of brick, stone, wood,
or other natural materials and do not conceal a historic porch, entrance, or balcony. Concrete is an
acceptable material for steps for Landmark properties.
3.Replacement of, alteration to, addition to, or removal of existing stairs and steps that are located
behind the front line of the structure and are not historically significant. Natural materials shall be
replaced in kind, and artificial materials shall be replaced with natural materials appropriate to the house
or primary structure.
I.Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations:
1.Installation/alteration/replacement of handrails on existing steps, porches, decks, and stairs. New
or replacement railings shall be wood or metal only and shall be compatible in design, scale, finish, and
material with the building to the greatest extent possible.
2.Removal of existing railings that are not historically significant to a structure as determined by
staff and are not required for ADA accessibility.
3.Installation, alteration, or removal of black wrought iron guardrails not exceeding 48 inches in
height that are required for non-residential buildings or sites to meet ADA requirements. Railing designs
must match those installed by the Town along Churton Street and be approved by the Town Public Space
Manager prior to being constructed. Any major deviation in design, material, or color from the Town's
Churton Street railings and any height above 48” tall shall require Commission approval.
4.Installation of temporary handicapped ramps constructed of wood. Such ramps must be
removed when they are no longer necessary to ease the difficulties related to accessibility due to
physical disability or limitations.
5.Installation/alteration/removal of temporary features that are necessary to ease difficulties
associated with a medical condition.
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J.Utilities and Energy Retrofit:
1.Installation of foundation vents on side and rear only, soffit and roof vents, gable end vents,
replacement of wood access doors, and installation of foundation access doors that cannot be easily seen
from the street.
2.Installation of mechanical equipment, including, but not limited to such items as heating and air
conditioning units or generators, that are screened from general public view (required setbacks must be
met).
3.Reinstallation of above ground fuel tanks (propane, oil, etc.) for residential use when not located
in the Number 1 fire district, not located in a front yard, and screened from general public view using a
wood privacy fence and/or evergreen plantings. New installations of these tanks must also comply with
all conditions of the NC State Building Code.
4.Installation or alteration of full-lite storm doors and storm windows made of wood or metal with
clear glass windows. Aluminum storm doors are not permitted to be placed on structures that were
constructed prior to 1945.
5.Commercial, full-lite storm doors made of wood or metal that do not conceal an existing
storefront door. Storm doors that would conceal an existing storefront door shall require Commission
approval.
6.Installation of awnings, canopies, and operable shutters matching the width of the windows,
provided that materials are compatible with the district and do not obscure or conceal significant
architectural features of a structure.
7.Installation/alteration/removal of low profile, photovoltaic, solar panels, skylights, ventilators, or
mechanical equipment that are placed on roof slopes that are not visible from public right-of-way,
screened from view of adjacent properties, or are located on non-character-defining elevations and do
not compromise the architectural integrity of a building. Solar panels and mechanical equipment
proposed to be located in a yard which fronts on a public or private street shall require Commission
approval.
8.Installation/alteration/removal of communications equipment (excluding antennae that are
exempt under the Exempt Works list) that are less than 6 feet in height and are placed on roof slopes or
non-character-defining elevations that are screened from view of adjacent properties and the general
public and are placed in locations that do not conceal or compromise the integrity of the architectural
features of a structure. Requests to locate such equipment in a front yard or on a character-defining
elevation of a building shall require Commission approval.
K.Outbuildings and Garages:
1.Replacement of missing, damaged, or deteriorated residential garage doors with solid wood,
steel, fiberglass, or aluminum garage doors that are appropriate in design, scale, and material to the
existing garage building, and which do not have wood grain or other material overlays that create a false
representation of the underlying material.
2.Replacement of overhead doors on commercial, industrial, or institutional properties when the
replacement materials are appropriate to the district and where the design, scale, and material are
appropriate to the design of the building and the historic district as determined by staff.
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L.Storefronts:
1.Removal of inappropriate or conjectural architectural features, such as faux facades or decorative
door trim, that were added to a historic façade and which conceal the original architectural features of a
historic commercial building. Removal of such features shall require either repair or restoration of the
underlying, original features that they concealed.
II.New Construction and Additions
A.New Construction of Primary Buildings:
1.All new primary building construction shall be reviewed and approved by the Commission.
B.New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages:
1.Construction of detached accessory buildings, excluding accessory dwellings, that are less than
144 square feet in area and are located in the rear of historic properties and are not at all visible from the
public right-of-way. The only approved material for the accessory building columns, siding, trim, fascia,
railings, steps, and/or beams shall be solid wood, the doors and/or windows shall be wood or aluminum-
clad wood only, and the roofing material shall be 5V or standing seam metal or asphalt shingles in a color
matching the primary structure’s roof as closely as possible. The peak of the accessory building roof shall
not exceed 12 feet in height from ground level, and the location shall meet all applicable setbacks for the
property. Finally, each side of the proposed accessory building shall have windows with muntin
configurations matching a window located on the primary structure, scaled appropriately to the size of
the accessory building.
C.Additions to Existing Buildings:
1.Conversion of existing decks that are less than 400 square feet in area and are located in the rear
of historic properties and are not visible from the public right-of-way into screened porches. The only
approved material for the screened porch columns, siding, trim, fascia, railings, steps, and/or beams shall
be solid wood, and the screening shall be standard metal or fiberglass mesh screen, with wood or
aluminum-clad wood doors and/or windows, and roofing material to be 5V or standing seam metal or
asphalt shingles in a color matching the primary structure’s roof as closely as possible. Finally, the peak of
the screened porch roof shall not extend above the existing house. Any proposed design details or
materials that do not meet these standards shall require Commission approval.
D.Decks:
1.Alteration/addition to/removal of existing decks that are less than 4 feet tall and are located
behind the front line of the house. For additions to existing decks, the total combined square footage of
the original deck with the addition shall not exceed 144 square feet.
2.Construction of new decks made of wood that are less than 4 feet tall and are located behind the
front line of the house and are less than 144 square feet.
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III.Historic District Setting
A.Site Features and Plantings:
1.Construction of new patios made of wood, natural stone, concrete, or brick that are located
behind the front line of the structure and are smaller than 600 square feet for historic properties or 3000
square feet for historic mill properties recognized as local Landmarks. Patios shall be located and designed
in a manner to retain as much of the existing site features, plantings, and topography as possible.
2.Removal of existing patios that are located behind the front line of the house and are less than
144 square feet if they are not visible from the street.
3.A single metal flagpole not exceeding 25 feet in height from ground level, or a single flagpole base
made of metal, concrete, stone, brick, or other natural materials and not to exceed 25 square feet in area.
4.Construction of “Little Free Libraries” in the front, side, or rear yard located outside of the public
right-of-way and are painted or stained a single muted color, are constructed of wood or metal only, and
are mounted on a single wood post painted or stained to match the color of the box, with total height not
to exceed six feet from ground to top of the box and dimensions of the box not to exceed two feet in
length, width, or height. The handles/knobs shall be made of wood or metal only and the front window
shall be limited to plexiglass or a similar safety glass product. Roofing materials shall be limited to wood
or metal. Any proposed deviation in design or materials from these standards requires a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
5.Installation of wood or metal garden trellises or arbors not exceeding eight feet in height that are
located behind the front line of the house, as well as landscaping or retaining walls up to six feet in height
that are made of natural stone, parged masonry block with rowlock or basket-weave brick caps, brick,
poured concrete with rowlock or basket-weave brick caps, masonry block capped and faced with brick, or
wood, and are located behind the front line of the house.
6.Removal of any deciduous trees that are smaller than 24” DBH (diameter at breast height: 4’ to
4.5’ above ground), or any evergreen trees that are smaller than 30” DBH, where a circumferential
measurement of all trunks and stems of the same tree divided by pi (3.14) shall be used to calculate the
diameter. A replacement tree shall be planted on site for each tree over 12” DBH to be removed unless
staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a planting. Replanted trees shall be of a similar species
and similar size at maturity to the tree(s) to be removed. Removal of healthy deciduous trees greater
than 24” DBH, healthy evergreen trees over 30” DBH, healthy foundation plantings, healthy hedges, or
extensive landscaped areas visible from the street requires Commission approval.
7.Removal of mature single, multi-stem, or multi-trunk deciduous trees 24” in diameter or larger or
evergreen trees 30” in diameter or larger, using a circumferential measurement of all trunks or stems of
the same tree divided by pi (3.14) to calculate the diameter at breast height (measured at 4-4.5 feet above
the ground), that have been severely damaged due to extreme weather or need to be removed due to
severe disease or deterioration of the tree. A letter from an ISA-certified arborist must be submitted to
staff to verify the deterioration of the tree and its need for removal. Removal of healthy single, multi-
stem or multi-trunk deciduous trees 24” in diameter or larger at breast height or healthy evergreen trees
over 30” DBH requires Commission approval. Staff will require a replacement tree planting for each tree
to be removed that will grow to similar size and species at maturity unless staff determines that site
conditions prohibit such a planting.
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8.Removal of trees of any size if Town staff determines through field verification that the trees
pose a clear and immediate threat to public safety or are clearly dead or dying. Staff will require a
replacement tree planting for each tree to be removed that will grow to similar size and species at
maturity unless staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a planting.
9.Alterations to existing patios located behind the front line of the house or additions to patios
located behind the front line of a house or building, provided that the total square footage does not
exceed 400 square feet and the materials match those existing as closely as possible.
10.Removal of gardens, planting beds, hedges, screen plantings, or shrubbery that are not historically
significant as determined by staff.
11.Installation of hedges, foundation, or screen plantings that do not conceal architectural details or
features on a historic structure.
B.Fences and Walls:
1.Installation of residential fences located behind the front line of the house, made of wood or wood
with welded wire that are picket, post and rail, split rail, or privacy in style. Privacy fences may be no taller
than six feet, but garden enclosures may extend to seven feet only if the final foot is wire. Fences made
of wood post and welded wire must include a top and bottom rail. Picket, split rail, and post and rail fences
may be no taller than four feet. Wood privacy fences five feet or less in height may have an additional one
foot of square-patterned wood lattice on top, but the total fence height shall not exceed six feet measured
from ground level.
2.Removal or replacement of existing fences that are not historically significant, as determined by
staff, and are less than 6 feet tall. Replacement fences shall be wood or wood with welded wire.
Replacement of existing fences with any other material besides wood or wood with welded wire requires
full Commission approval.
3.Construction of new walls made of wood, stone, brick, parged masonry block with rowlock or
basket weave brick cap, poured concrete wall with rowlock or basket weave brick cap, or masonry block
faced and capped with brick that are less than 4 feet tall and are located behind the front line of the
structure. Use of any other materials, including synthetic materials, for walls requires full Commission
approval.
4.Removal or replacement of existing walls that are not historically significant, as determined by
staff, and are less than 4 feet tall. Replacement walls shall be made of wood, stone, brick, parged masonry
block with rowlock or basket weave brick cap, poured concrete wall with rowlock or basket weave brick
cap, or masonry block faced and capped with brick. Use of any other materials, including synthetic
materials, for replacement walls requires full Commission approval.
5.Pet enclosures of any non-opaque wood or metal fencing material that are not attached to the
house, enclose less than 25% of the lot, and are located behind the rear line of the house.
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C.Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking:
1.New or replacement stone, gravel, concrete, asphalt, or brick walkways. For replacement of
historic stone or brick walkways, the original materials must be repaired and/or replaced in kind. Existing
dirt or gravel walkways may be replaced with concrete, brick, stone or asphalt paving, provided the width
does not exceed five feet on historic properties. For Landmark properties, new or replacement sidewalks
may not exceed eight feet in width without Commission approval.
2.Paving of existing dirt, crushed stone, or gravel driveways and off-street parking areas when the
replacement materials are concrete, brick or asphalt. The use of natural stone or other natural or synthetic
materials as replacement surface materials requires Commission approval, as does changing from natural
stone to another material.
3.Minor alterations to existing private drives and public streets such as maintenance grading,
resurfacing, re-alignment, and the repair of existing driveway surfaces.
D.Public Rights-of-Way:
1.Removal, replacement, and installation of streetscape amenities proposed by the Town of
Hillsborough Public Space Division including but not limited to street furniture, bus shelters, planters,
signage, waste receptacles, benches, bicycle racks, pavers, and railings that are very similar or identical in
design to amenities previously approved by the HDC and are located on Town property or within public
rights-of-way.
2.Installation, alteration, or removal of permanently-affixed street furniture and screening for
commercial sidewalk dining and merchandise displays that are made of wood, stone, concrete, brick, glass
and/or metal that meet Town Code and do not exceed 4 feet in height above grade. Permanently-affixed
items over 4 feet tall shall require Commission approval.
3.Installation of new or replacement utility poles and street lights in the public right-of-way. The
poles shall be either wood or metal, and the maximum height above grade including the light fixtures shall
not exceed 25 feet. Any proposed utility pole height exceeding 25 feet shall require Commission approval.
E.Archaeological Features:
1.Any proposed change to, disturbance of, or removal of archaeological features shall require
Commission review and approval.
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F.Exterior Lighting:
1.Installation, alteration, or removal of exterior commercial light fixtures, including security and
egress lighting required by building or fire code, that are made of metal hung in traditional locations that
do not compromise the architectural integrity of a building. The design and location of all lighting
proposed shall be submitted to and approved by staff prior to approval for installation and shall meet all
regulations in Section 6.11 of the Unified Development Ordinance.
2.Installation, alteration, or removal of exterior residential light fixtures that are made of wood or
metal and hung in traditional locations that do not compromise the architectural integrity of a building.
The design and location of all lighting proposed shall be submitted to and approved by staff prior to
approval for installation.
3.Installation of metal light fixtures on painted or stained wood or metal poles on private property
that are installed in traditional locations for the district and do not exceed eight feet in height measured
at ground level. This is not intended to apply to lights installed within the public right-of-way.
G.Signage:
1.Commercial signs of painted or sandblasted wood or non-printed metal construction that comply
with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance in regard to size and location. Signs must
also be installed in traditional locations in such a way as to not damage or conceal architectural features
or details on a historic building or property. Historic mill properties recognized as local landmarks may
have campus or way-finding signage, suite, or tenant signage that complies with the requirements of the
Unified Development Ordinance and is made of printed aluminum, painted metal, or painted wood. All
signs must be hung either parallel or perpendicular to building face.
2.Printed metal signs not exceeding 4 square feet in area mounted on metal U-channel posts not
exceeding 6 feet in height that are exempt under Sections 6.18.4.2 and 6.18.4.7 to be erected on private
property for safety, wayfinding, or to restrict unauthorized use of or access to private property. Staff must
approve the location and orientation of the signs, which must be located behind the right-of-way line
entirely on private property, and oriented so as to not be confused with public signage.
3.Individually-cut and mounted vinyl letters or logos with absolutely no background material,
whether clear or otherwise, that are mounted to the interior of windows or door glass on commercial
buildings and are visible from the public right-of-way or pedestrian areas in the historic district.
4.Installation of a sandwich board sign, during open hours of business that is of A-frame
construction has a maximum of six square feet per side, does not exceed four feet in height, and has a
wood or metal frame that is elevated by the use of feet or legs. No plastic, vinyl, or other incompatible
materials shall be permitted for the facing of the sign; however, a chalkboard face is permitted.
H.Art:
1.Installation/alteration of art, including items such as, but not limited to, freestanding sculptures,
wall-mounted murals, mosaics, and metal installations that are not affixed to a building or site. This minor
work item is not intended to apply to common and seasonal decorations and garden accents, which are
exempt from review.
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IV.Relocation and Demolition
A.Relocation of Existing Buildings:
1.Relocation of existing accessory structures that do not fall within the period of historic significance
from a side or rear yard location to a different side or rear yardlocation on the same property. Structures
proposed to be relocated shall be less than 144 square feet in area and shall require zoning approval.
Structures proposed to be relocated that do not meet these criteria shall require Commission approval.
B.Demolition of Existing Buildings:
1.Demolition of existing accessory structures or buildings that are not architecturally or historically
significant and are less than 144 square feet in area for a district property or 1,500 square feet in area for
historic mill properties recognized as local Landmarks. Demolition of primary buildings or those not
meeting these criteria require Commission approval.
V.Existing Certificates of Appropriateness
A.Changes to Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:
1.Changes to previously-approved Certificates of Appropriateness deemed by staff not to be
substantial.
2.Exterior changes to buildings or sites within the historic district or on local landmark properties
that are deemed by staff to clearly be minor in nature, such as slight variations on existing minor works
and other types of minor exterior changes, including items such as replacement of synthetic materials on
building features when replaced with wood or metal in the same configuration as the feature being
replaced, and other items for which there have historically been consistent, recurring approval by the
Historic District Commission. Staff will refer minor work proposals to the Historic District Commission for
review if the changes proposed involve alterations, additions, or removal of features that will, in staff’s
determination based on the Design Guidelines, significantly alter the character or setting of a building or
site, do not meet intent of the Design Guidelines, or are of a precedent-setting nature in the District.
B.Renewal of Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:
1.Renewal of expired Certificates of Appropriateness, provided there is no change from the
originally-approved plans.
21
Historic District Commission
Rules of Procedure
15.0 Design Guidelines
In 2000, the Town adopted the Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines, which is designed as an interpretive
document for the Standards of Evaluation listed in Section 3.12.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Applications
for Certificates of Appropriateness will be weighed for compatibility against the Hillsborough Historic District Design
Guidelines. Applications for changes to Landmark properties will be evaluated against the Secretary of the Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation. The following topics are covered by specific design guidelines and are hereby listed and
incorporated into this document as a part of the Rules of Procedure.
1. Changes to Existing Building Exteriors
a) Masonry
b) Wood
c) Architectural Metals
d) Paint and Exterior Colors
e) Exterior Walls
f) Windows and Doors
g) Roofs
h) Porches, Entrances, and Balconies
i) Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations
j) Utilities and Energy Retrofit
k) Outbuildings and Garages
l) Storefronts
2. New Construction and Additions
a) New Construction of Primary Buildings
b) New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages
c) Additions to Existing Buildings
d) Decks
3. Historic District Setting
a) Site Features and Plantings
b) Fences and Walls
c) Public Right-of-Way
d) Archaeological Features
e) Exterior Lighting
f) Signage
g) Art
4. Relocation and Demolition
a) Relocation of Existing Buildings
b) Demolition of Existing Buildings
16.0 Appeals Procedure (per Section 3.12.12 of the Unified Development Ordinance)
A decision of the Commission on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness may be appealed on procedural
grounds to the Board of Adjustment by an aggrieved party. Such an appeal shall be made within 30 days of the filing of
22
Historic District Commission
Rules of Procedure
the decision in the Planning Department or the delivery of the notice required in Section 3.12.11 of the Unified
Development Ordinance, whichever is later.
17.0 Amendments
These rules may, within the limits allowed by law, be amended at any time by an affirmative vote of not less than four
members of the Commission, provided that such amendment shall first have been presented to the membership in writing
at a regular or special meeting preceding the meeting at which the vote was taken.
Initially approved by the Commission on the 2nd day of December 1982.
Revised and readopted by the Commission the 1st day of August 2018.
Amended: November 7, 1989
June 6, 1990
July 18, 1990
March 20, 1991
January 15, 1992
July 17, 1996
Sept 5, 2007
July 3, 2013
August 6, 2014
November 5, 2014
January 7, 2015
November 1, 2017
April 4, 2018
May 2, 2018
August 1, 2018
__ ______________________ _8/1/2018_
Chairman, Historic District Commission Date
23
Exempt Works-No Permit Required
The following acts of regular maintenance or of a temporary nature are exempted from obtaining a Certificate
of Appropriateness:
Street, sidewalk and underground utility work which does not change the appearance of the streetscape. This
1.
includes but is not limited to the burial of overhead lines, replacement of water and sewer lines, replacement
of sidewalks, and the replacement and/or installation of standard utility boxes and meters for gas, water,
electricity, and the like, but shall not apply to wireless facilities or antennae.
Painting the same color as existing paint, including slight variation in shade of the same base color as determined
2.
by the Zoning Officer.
Replacement of roof or roofing material, if the shape, dimensions, and color are the same as those previously
3.
existing, including slight variations in materials and colors as determined by the Zoning Officer.
Temporary signs and flags listed as exempt in Section 6.18.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
4.
One residential occupant sign per lot not exceeding 4 square feet with the address, occupant’s name, name of
5.
structure, and dates located in the front or side yard outside the public right-of-way. These signs must also be
constructed of wood, and painted or stained white and not exceed 6 feet in height.
Historical markers placed by the Historical Society or the State of North Carolina.
6.
Play equipment (not exceeding 300 square feet in area), and tree houses or movable play houses (not exceeding
7.
100 square feet) when located in the backyard.
Movable outside furniture, except public facilities.
8.
All window mounted HVAC units.
9.
All minor landscaping which includes but is not limited to maintenance trimming, removal of unhealthy shrubs
10.
and perennials, and creation of new landscaped areas.
Installation, alteration, or removal of antennae not exceeding 6 feet in height for public utilities regulated by
11.
the North Carolina Utilities Commission that do not change the appearance of the streetscape and are screened
from view.
Installation of satellite dishes, 20” or less in diameter, not attached to the front of the structure and not visible
12.
from the street.
Repair/replacement of awnings, canopies and shutters that are original to a house and are made of natural
13.
materials. Synthetic materials may not be replaced under this exempt work.
Installation/addition/removal of gutters and downspouts.
14.
Installation of house numbers and mailboxes.
15.
Removal of existing patios that are located behind the front line of the house and are less than 144 square feet
16.
if they are not visible from the street.
.
Alteration of existing flat roof coverings
17.
Removal of storm windows or storm doors.
18.
Clear coat treatment to brick on the exterior of a historic mill recognized as a local landmark provided that the
19.
brick was formerly an interior wall and now requires treatment with clearcoat sealer to keep the softer brick
from degrading.
Minor Works-Staff Review
The following works of a minor nature do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness and may be approved by
the Zoning Officer if the work is described below and is appropriate to the District or the Landmark:
1.Removal of artificial siding when the original siding is to be replaced or repaired and painted or stained.
Installation of foundation vents on side and rear only, soffit and roof vents, gable end vents, replacement of wood
2.
access doors, and installation of foundation access doors that cannot be easily seen from the street.
Installation of mechanical equipment such as heating and air conditioning units that are screened from general
3.
public
view (setbacks must be met).
Residential fences located behind the front line of the house, made of wood or wood with welded wire that are
4.
picket, post and rail, split rail, or privacy. Privacy fences may be no taller than 6 feet but garden enclosures may
extend to 7 feet if the final foot is wire. Fences made of wood post and welded wire must include a top and
bottom rail. Picket, split rail, and post and rail fences may be no taller than 4 feet. Wood privacy fences 5 feet or
less in height may have an additional 1 foot of square-patterned lattice on top, but the total fence height shall
not exceed 6 feet.
Pet enclosures of any non-opaque fencing material that are not attached to the house and behind the rear line
5.
of the house, and enclose less than 25% of the lot.
New or replacement stone, gravel, concrete, asphalt, or brick walkways. For replacement of historic stone or
6.
brick walkways, the original materials must be repaired and/or replaced in kind. Dirt or gravel walkways may be
replaced with concrete or asphalt paving provided the width does not exceed 5 feet.
New or replacement stone or red brick steps not to exceed 7 risers. Brick is not to be used as a replacement material
7.
when the original material is stone, metal, wood or other natural material. These materials should be replaced
in kind. Concrete is an acceptable material for steps for landmark properties.
8.Construction of patios made of wood, stone, or brick that are located behind the front line of the structure and
less than 600 SF for a district property or 3000 SF for historic mills properties recognized as local landmarks.
9.A flagpole (not exceeding 25’) or flagpole base (not to exceed 25 square feet).
Replacement of missing, deteriorated, or damaged portions of structures, provided there is little change in
10.
appearance and dimension, with new materials that are identical or closely similar in color and composition to
those previously existing. Extensive repair or replacement of any structure or portion of a structure requires
Commission review if the Zoning Officer determines the change in appearance or dimension to be significant.
11.Landscaping that does not alter the streetscape. This includes but is not limited to the installation of garden
furniture trellises, arbors, and the like behind the front line of the house or as part of an existing hedge, retaining
structures that do not exceed 2 feet in height, and removal of any deciduous trees that are smaller than 24” DBH
or any evergreen trees that are smaller than 30” DBH (diameter at breast height: 4 to 4.5’ above ground) using
a circumferential measurement of all trunks and stems of the same tree divided by pi (3.14) to calculate the
diameter. Removal of healthy foundation plantings, hedges, or extensive landscaped areas visible from the street
requires Commission approval. Staff will require a replacement tree planting for each tree to be removed that
will grow to similar size and species at maturity unless staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a
planting.
12.Minor alterations to existing private drives and public streets such as maintenance grading, resurfacing, re-
alignment, and the repair of gravel, concrete or asphalt.
13.Reinstallation of above ground fuel tanks (propane, oil, etc.) for residential use when not located in the Number
1 fire district and screened from general public view. New installations of these tanks must meet the above
criteria and must also comply with all conditions of the NC State Building Code.
14.Painting of previously painted surfaces and unpainted cinderblock. When the request entails anew color
combination for an entire structure, the main body and the trim shall be a dark color/light color combination with
no more than two additional accent colors to receive staff approval.
15.Commercial signs of painted or sandblasted wood or non-printed metal construction and window decals that
comply with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance in regard to size. Signs must be installed in
traditional locations and must be installed in such a way as to not damage or conceal architectural features or
details. Historic mill properties recognized as local landmarks may have campus or way-finding signage, suite, or
tenant signage that complies with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance and is made of printed
aluminum, painted metal, or painted wood. All signs must be hung either parallel or perpendicular to building
face.
16.Installation of temporary handicapped ramps constructed of wood. Such ramps must be removed when they
are no longer needed.
17.Removal of existing accessory structures or buildings that are not architecturally or historically significant and
18.are less than 144 SF for a district property or 1,500 SF for historic mills properties recognized as local landmarks
Alteration/addition to/removal of existing decks that are less than 4 feet tall and are located behind the front
line of the house.
19.
Construction of new decks made of wood that are less than 4 feet tall and are located behind the front line of
SF.
the house and are less than 144
20.Alterations to existing patios located behind the front line of the house and less than 144 square feet.
Construction of new walls made of wood, stone or brick that are less than 4 feet tall and
21.are located behind the
front line of the structure. Acceptable materials for walls at historic mills properties recognized as local
landmarks include parged masonry block with rowlock or basket weave brick cap, poured concrete wall with
rowlock or basket weave brick cap, or masonry block faced and capped with brick.
22.Alteration/addition to/removal of existing stairs and steps that are located behind the front line of the structure.
Installation/alteration/removal of handrails made of wood or metal to existing steps and stairs.
23.Installation/alteration/removal of temporary features that are necessary to ease difficulties associated with a
medical condition.
24.Alteration/addition/removal of gardens, planting beds, or shrubbery affecting less than 25% of the front yard
that are not historically significant.
25.Installation of hedges or screen plantings that are located behind the front line of the structure provided that
they do not alter the streetscape.
26.Removal of existing fences, walls, hedges, and screen plantings that are not historically significant and are less
than 4 feet tall.
27.Installation or alteration of storm doors and storm windows made of wood or metal with glass windows.
Commercial storm doors that conceal an existing storefront door shall require Commission approval.
Installation/alteration of art such as but not limited to free standing
28.sculpture and wall mounted murals,
metal installations that are not affixed to a building or site. This minor work item is not intended to
mosaics, or
apply to
common and seasonal decorations and garden accents, which are exempt from review.
29.Installation of awnings, canopies, and shutters provided that materials are compatible with the district.
Replacement of asphalt shingle roof with standing seam or 5V metal
roof in an appropriate color and on
buildings where metal roofs are historically and/or architecturally appropriate.
construction
30.Installation of a sandwich board sign, during open hours of business that is of A-frame has a
31.maximum of six square feet per side, does not exceed four feet in height, is made of wood or metal, and has a
wood or metal frame that is elevated by the use of feet or legs.
32.Removal of mature single, multi-stem, or multi-trunk deciduous trees 24” in diameter or larger or evergreen
trees 30” in diameter or larger (using a circumferential measurement of all trunks or stems of the same tree
divided by pi (3.14) to calculate the diameter) at breast height (measured at 4-4.5 feet above the ground) that
have been severely damaged due to extreme weather or need to be removed due to severe disease or
deterioration of the tree. A letter from an ISA certified arborist must be submitted to verify the deterioration of
the tree and its imminent need for removal. Removal of healthy single, multi-stem or multi-trunk deciduous
trees 24” in diameter or larger at breast height or healthy evergreen trees over 30” DBH requires Commission
33.approval. Staff will require a replacement tree planting for each tree to be removed that will grow to similar size
and species at maturity unless staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a planting.
34.Cleaning of masonry surfaces provided that the applicant demonstrates that there will be no change in design,
material, dimension, pattern, detail, texture, and color of the masonry or mortar.
35.Changes to previous Certificates of Appropriateness deemed by staff not to be substantial.
36.Installation/alteration/removal of low profile, photovoltaic, solar panels, skylights, ventilators, mechanical
equipment, and communications equipment (except antennae as exempted under the Exempt Works list) that
are less than 6 feet in height and are placed on roof slopes that are not visible from public right-of-way, screened
from view of adjacent properties, and in locations that do not compromise the architectural integrity of a
building.
37.Repair/replacement/installation of windows at historic mill properties recognized as local landmarks when the
new windows are sized and configured to match the historic wood windows, typically double hung sash
windows, and are aluminum frame with simulated divided lights and have mullion and frame profiles that are
the best approximation of the historic windows.
38.Removal, replacement, and installation of streetscape amenities proposed by the Town of Hillsborough Public
Space Division including but not limited to street furniture, planters, signage, waste receptacles, bicycle racks,
pavers, and railings that are identical in design to amenities previously approved by the HDC and located on
Town property and within public rights of way.
39.Removal of trees of any size if Town staff determines through field verification that the trees pose a clear and
immediate threat to public safety. Staff will require a replacement tree planting for each tree to be removed
that will grow to similar size and species at maturity unless staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a
planting.
40.Removal of trees of any size that are determined by Town staff through field verification to be clearly dead. Staff
will require a replacement tree planting for each tree to be removed that will grow to similar size and species
at maturity unless staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a planting.
41.Printed metal signs not exceeding 4 square feet in area mounted on metal U-channel posts not exceeding 6 feet
in height that are exempt under Sections 6.18.4.2 and 6.18.4.7 to be erected on private property for safety,
wayfinding, or to restrict unauthorized use of or access to private property. Staff must approve the location and
orientation of the signs, which must be located behind the right-of-way line entirely on private property, and
oriented so as to not be confused with public signage.
42.Construction of “Little Free Libraries” in the front, side, or rear yard located outside of the public right-of-way
and are painted or stained a single muted color, are constructed of wood or metal only, and are mounted on a
single wood post painted or stained to match the color of the box, with total height not to exceed six feet from
ground to top of the box and dimensions of the box not to exceed two feet in length, width, or height. The
handles/knobs shall be made of wood or metal only and the front window shall be limited to plexiglass or a
similar safety glass product. Roofing materials shall be limited to wood or metal. Any proposed deviation in
design or materials from these standards requires a Certificate of Appropriateness.
43.Exterior changes to buildings or sites within the historic district or on local landmark properties that are deemed
by staff to clearly be minor in nature, such as slight variations on existing minor works and other types of minor
exterior changes including items such as replacement of synthetic materials on building features when replaced
with wood or metal in the same configuration as the feature being replaced and other items for which there
have historically been consistent, recurring approval by the Historic District Commission. Staff will refer Minor
Work projects to the Historic District Commission for review if in staff’s judgment the changes proposed involve
alterations, additions, or removals that will significantly alter the character or setting of a building or site, do
not meet the Guidelines, or are of a precedent-setting nature.
44.Individually cut and mounted vinyl letters or logos with absolutely no background material, whether clear or
otherwise, that are mounted to the interior of windows or door glass on commercial buildings and are visible
from the public right-of-way or pedestrian areas in the historic district.
45.Installation, alteration, or removal of permanently-affixed street furniture and screening for commercial
sidewalk dining and merchandise displays that are made of wood, stone, concrete, brick, glass and/or metal
that meet Town Code and do not exceed 4 feet in height above grade. Items over 4 feet tall shall require
Commission approval.
46.Installation, alteration, or removal of exterior commercial light fixtures made of metal hung in traditional
locations that do not compromise the architectural integrity of a building.
47.Installation, alteration, or removal of black wrought iron guardrails not exceeding 48 inches in height that are
required for commercial businesses to meet ADA requirements. Railing designs must match those installed by
the Town along Churton Street and be approved by the Town Public Space Manager prior to being constructed.
Any deviation in design, material, or color from the Town's Churton Street railings shall require Commission
approval.
48.Paving of existing dirt, crushed stone, or gravel driveways and off-street parking areas when the replacement
materials are concrete, brick or asphalt. The use of natural stone or other natural or synthetic materials as
replacement
Exempt Works – No Certificate of Appropriateness Required
(updated 08/01/2018)
Certain actions of regular maintenance or of a temporary nature are exempted from obtaining a Certificate of
Appropriateness. These actions are limited to the following items, and any proposal should still be submitted to staff for
review to verify that the work proposed qualifies for this exemption:
I.Changes to Existing Building Exteriors
A.Masonry:
1.Clear coat treatment to brick on the exterior of a historic mill recognized as a local landmark,
provided that the brick was formerly an interior wall and now requires treatment with clearcoat sealer to
keep the softer brick from degrading.
B.Wood:
C.Architectural Metals:
D.Paint and Exterior Color:
1.Painting the same color as existing paint, including slight variations in shade of the same base
color as determined by the Zoning Officer.
E.Exterior Walls:
1.
Installation of house numbers and mailboxes affixed to a building in such a way to avoid damaging
.
the exterior walls of a building
F.Windows and Doors:
G.Roofs:
1.Replacement of roof or roofing material, if the shape, dimensions, and color are the same as those
previously existing, including slight variations in materials and colors as determined by the Zoning Officer.
2.Alteration of existing flat roof coverings.
3.Installation/addition/removal of gutters and downspouts.
H.Porches, Entrances, and Balconies:
I.Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations:
J.Utilities and Energy Retrofit:
1.All window-mounted HVAC units.
2.Installation, alteration, or removal of antennae for public utilities that are regulated by the North
Carolina Utilities Commission, and that do not change the appearance of the streetscape and are not
visible from public rights-of-way and are screened from general public view.
3.Installation of satellite dishes, 20” or less in diameter, that are not attached to the front of the
structure and not visible from the street.
4.Repair/replacement in kind of awnings or canopies made of fabric, metal, or canvas. Existing
awnings or canopies made of synthetic materials, such as plastic or vinyl may not be replaced under this
exempt work.
5.Removal of storm windows or storm doors.
K.Outbuildings and Garages:
L.Storefronts:
II.New Construction and Additions
A.New Construction of Primary Buildings:
B.New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages:
C.Additions to Existing Buildings:
D.Decks:
III.Historic District Setting
A.Site Features and Plantings:
1.Play equipment (not exceeding 300 square feet in area), and tree houses or movable play houses
(not exceeding 100 square feet) when located in the backyard.
2.Movable outside furniture, except public facilities.
3.All minor landscaping which includes, but is not limited to, maintenance trimming, removal of
unhealthy shrubs and perennials, garden accents, and creation of new landscaped areas.
4.Installation of post-mounted mailboxes on wood or metal posts that meet United States Postal
Service requirements for size, location, and design and that do not exceed six feet in height above grade.
B.Fences and Walls:
1.Removal of synthetic fencing materials and chain link fencing.
C.Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking:
1.Minor alterations to existing private drives and public streets such as maintenance grading,
resurfacing, re-alignment, and the repair of existing driveway surfaces.
D.Public Rights-of-Way:
1.
Street, sidewalk and underground utility work which does not change the appearance of the
streetscape. This includes but is not limited to the burial of overhead lines, replacement of water and
sewer lines, replacement of sidewalks, and the replacement and/or installation of standard utility boxes
and meters for gas, water, electricity, and the like, but shall not apply to wireless facilities or antennae.
.
This exempt work does not apply to new or replacement utility poles or street lights
E.Archaeological Features:
F.Exterior Lighting:
G.Signage:
1.Temporary signs and flags listed as exempt in Section 6.18.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.
2.One residential occupant sign per lot not exceeding four square feet in area with the address,
occupant’s name, name of structure, and dates located in the front or side yard outside the public right-
of-way. These signs must also be constructed of wood, and painted or stained white and not exceed six
feet in height.
3.Historical markers placed by the Historical Society or the State of North Carolina.
H.Art:
1.Installation of common seasonal decorations that are intended for temporary use and are not
permanently affixed to a historic building or site.
IV.Relocation and Demolition
A.Relocation of Existing Buildings:
B.Demolition of Existing Buildings:
1.Demolition or removal of existing accessory structures, site features, or buildings that were built
or erected illegally outside the period of significance without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness.
Minor Works – Staff-Level Review
(updated 08/01/2018)
The following works of a minor nature do not require Historic District Commission approval unless referred by staff, but
rather, they may be approved through issuance of a minor works permit by the Zoning Officer if the proposed works meet
the criteria listed below and are appropriate to the District or the Landmark as determined by staff:
I.Changes to Existing Building Exteriors
A.Masonry:
1.Cleaning of masonry surfaces provided that the applicant demonstrates that there will be no
change in design, material, dimension, pattern, detail, texture, and color of the masonry or mortar.
Painting or staining brick requires Commission approval.
B.Wood:
1.Replacement of wood posts or columns that are not historically significant with wood posts or
columns of a design and scale appropriate to the architecture of the house. Changes to or replacement of
decorative exterior wood features on a historic building shall require Commission approval.
C.Architectural Metals:
1.Replacement or removal of non-historic or non-original architectural metal columns, posts,
railings and other features with wood. For properties within the period of significance, evidence that the
metal feature to be replaced is not original to the structure must be provided before staff can approve
replacement. Replacement or removal of original, historic architectural metal features requires
Commission approval.
D.Paint and Exterior Color:
1.Painting of previously-painted surfaces and unpainted cinderblock with traditional colors found
in the district. When the request entails a new color combination for an entire structure, the main body
and the trim shall be a dark color/light color combination with no more than two additional accent colors
to receive staff approval. Requests to paint a structure in a non-traditional color or color scheme, such as
pinks, pastels, vivid colors, or more than three total colors shall require Commission approval if staff
determines the color(s) or color combinations incompatible for the district.
E.Exterior Walls:
1.Removal of artificial siding when the original siding is to be replaced or repaired and painted or
stained.
F.Windows and Doors:
1.Replacement of windows that are not historically significant, provided that the muntin
configuration remain the same as the windows being replaced, unless evidence is produced showing the
original muntin configuration was something different, in which case that original configuration shall be
used. Replacement windows shall be constructed of either wood or aluminum-clad wood with true or
simulated divided lights and with mullion and frame profiles that are the best approximation of the
original windows.
2.Replacement of original, historically-significant windows on historic structures shall require
Commission approval.
3.Replacement of doors that are not historically significant to a historic structure, which are
designed to closely match the design of the door being replaced, unless evidence shows the original door
design is different, in which case that configuration shall be used. Replacement front doors shall be
constructed of solid wood, and replacement side or rear doors shall be wood, fiberglass-clad wood,
fiberglass, or aluminum-clad wood. Replacement of historically significant doors shall require Commission
approval.
4.Repair/replacement/installation of windows at historic mill properties recognized as local
landmarks when the new windows are sized and configured to match the historic wood windows, typically
double hung sash windows, and are aluminum frame with simulated divided lights and have mullion and
frame profiles that are the best approximation of the historic windows.
G.Roofs:
1.Replacement of an asphalt shingle roof with standing seam or 5V metal roof in an appropriate
color as determined by staff. Requests for Master Rib and other alternative metal roofing crimps or non-
traditional colors shall require Commission approval.
2.Removal of non-historic rear elevation chimneys that are not visible from the front of the house
and are not connected to an interior feature (such as a wood-burning stove or fireplace requiring
ventilation through the chimney to be removed). Removal of functioning or historic chimneys, or
chimneys on front or side elevations that would potentially alter the character of the building shall require
Commission approval.
3.Repair or replacement in kind of missing portions of existing chimneys.
H.Porches, Entrances, and Balconies:
1.New steps, not to exceed seven risers, that are made of wood, brick, stone, or other natural
materials and are located in front of a house or primary building and do not conceal a historic porch,
entrance, or balcony.
2.New steps located behind the front line of a house or primary building made of brick, stone, wood,
or other natural materials and do not conceal a historic porch, entrance, or balcony. Concrete is an
acceptable material for steps for Landmark properties.
3.Replacement of, alteration to, addition to, or removal of existing stairs and steps that are located
behind the front line of the structure and are not historically significant. Natural materials shall be
replaced in kind, and artificial materials shall be replaced with natural materials appropriate to the house
or primary structure.
I.Accessibility and Life Safety Considerations:
1.Installation/alteration/replacement of handrails on existing steps, porches, decks, and stairs. New
or replacement railings shall be wood or metal only and shall be compatible in design, scale, finish, and
material with the building to the greatest extent possible.
2.Removal of existing railings that are not historically significant to a structure as determined by
staff and are not required for ADA accessibility.
3.Installation, alteration, or removal of black wrought iron guardrails not exceeding 48 inches in
height that are required for non-residential buildings or sites to meet ADA requirements. Railing designs
must match those installed by the Town along Churton Street and be approved by the Town Public Space
Manager prior to being constructed. Any major deviation in design, material, or color from the Town's
Churton Street railings and any height above 48” tall shall require Commission approval.
4.Installation of temporary handicapped ramps constructed of wood. Such ramps must be
removed when they are no longer necessary to ease the difficulties related to accessibility due to
physical disability or limitations.
5.Installation/alteration/removal of temporary features that are necessary to ease difficulties
associated with a medical condition.
J.Utilities and Energy Retrofit:
1.Installation of foundation vents on side and rear only, soffit and roof vents, gable end vents,
replacement of wood access doors, and installation of foundation access doors that cannot be easily seen
from the street.
2.Installation of mechanical equipment, including, but not limited to such items as heating and air
conditioning units or generators, that are screened from general public view (required setbacks must be
met).
3.Reinstallation of above ground fuel tanks (propane, oil, etc.) for residential use when not located
in the Number 1 fire district, not located in a front yard, and screened from general public view using a
wood privacy fence and/or evergreen plantings. New installations of these tanks must also comply with
all conditions of the NC State Building Code.
4.Installation or alteration of full-lite storm doors and storm windows made of wood or metal with
clear glass windows. Aluminum storm doors are not permitted to be placed on structures that were
constructed prior to 1945.
5.Commercial, full-lite storm doors made of wood or metal that do not conceal an existing
storefront door. Storm doors that would conceal an existing storefront door shall require Commission
approval.
6.Installation of awnings, canopies, and operable shutters matching the width of the windows,
provided that materials are compatible with the district and do not obscure or conceal significant
architectural features of a structure.
7.Installation/alteration/removal of low profile, photovoltaic, solar panels, skylights, ventilators, or
mechanical equipment that are placed on roof slopes that are not visible from public right-of-way,
screened from view of adjacent properties, or are located on non-character-defining elevations and do
not compromise the architectural integrity of a building. Solar panels and mechanical equipment
proposed to be located in a yard which fronts on a public or private street shall require Commission
approval.
8.Installation/alteration/removal of communications equipment (excluding antennae that are
exempt under the Exempt Works list) that are less than 6 feet in height and are placed on roof slopes or
non-character-defining elevations that are screened from view of adjacent properties and the general
public and are placed in locations that do not conceal or compromise the integrity of the architectural
features of a structure. Requests to locate such equipment in a front yard or on a character-defining
elevation of a building shall require Commission approval.
K.Outbuildings and Garages:
1.Replacement of missing, damaged, or deteriorated residential garage doors with solid wood,
steel, fiberglass, or aluminum garage doors that are appropriate in design, scale, and material to the
existing garage building, and which do not have wood grain or other material overlays that create a false
representation of the underlying material.
2.Replacement of overhead doors on commercial, industrial, or institutional properties when the
replacement materials are appropriate to the district and where the design, scale, and material are
appropriate to the design of the building and the historic district as determined by staff.
L.Storefronts:
1.Removal of inappropriate or conjectural architectural features, such as faux facades or decorative
door trim, that were added to a historic façade and which conceal the original architectural features of a
historic commercial building. Removal of such features shall require either repair or restoration of the
underlying, original features that they concealed.
II.New Construction and Additions
A.New Construction of Primary Buildings:
1.All new primary building construction shall be reviewed and approved by the Commission.
B.New Construction of Outbuildings and Garages:
1.Construction of detached accessory buildings, excluding accessory dwellings, that are less than
144 square feet in area and are located in the rear of historic properties and are not at all visible from the
public right-of-way. The only approved material for the accessory building columns, siding, trim, fascia,
railings, steps, and/or beams shall be solid wood, the doors and/or windows shall be wood or aluminum-
clad wood only, and the roofing material shall be 5V or standing seam metal or asphalt shingles in a color
matching the primary structure’s roof as closely as possible. The peak of the accessory building roof shall
not exceed 12 feet in height from ground level, and the location shall meet all applicable setbacks for the
property. Finally, each side of the proposed accessory building shall have windows with muntin
configurations matching a window located on the primary structure, scaled appropriately to the size of
the accessory building.
C.Additions to Existing Buildings:
1.Conversion of existing decks that are less than 400 square feet in area and are located in the rear
of historic properties and are not visible from the public right-of-way into screened porches. The only
approved material for the screened porch columns, siding, trim, fascia, railings, steps, and/or beams shall
be solid wood, and the screening shall be standard metal or fiberglass mesh screen, with wood or
aluminum-clad wood doors and/or windows, and roofing material to be 5V or standing seam metal or
asphalt shingles in a color matching the primary structure’s roof as closely as possible. Finally, the peak of
the screened porch roof shall not extend above the existing house. Any proposed design details or
materials that do not meet these standards shall require Commission approval.
D.Decks:
1.Alteration/addition to/removal of existing decks that are less than 4 feet tall and are located
behind the front line of the house. For additions to existing decks, the total combined square footage of
the original deck with the addition shall not exceed 144 square feet.
2.Construction of new decks made of wood that are less than 4 feet tall and are located behind the
front line of the house and are less than 144 square feet.
III.Historic District Setting
A.Site Features and Plantings:
1.Construction of new patios made of wood, natural stone, concrete, or brick that are located
behind the front line of the structure and are smaller than 600 square feet for historic properties or 3000
square feet for historic mill properties recognized as local Landmarks. Patios shall be located and designed
in a manner to retain as much of the existing site features, plantings, and topography as possible.
2.Removal of existing patios that are located behind the front line of the house and are less than
144 square feet if they are not visible from the street.
3.A single metal flagpole not exceeding 25 feet in height from ground level, or a single flagpole base
made of metal, concrete, stone, brick, or other natural materials and not to exceed 25 square feet in area.
4.Construction of “Little Free Libraries” in the front, side, or rear yard located outside of the public
right-of-way and are painted or stained a single muted color, are constructed of wood or metal only, and
are mounted on a single wood post painted or stained to match the color of the box, with total height not
to exceed six feet from ground to top of the box and dimensions of the box not to exceed two feet in
length, width, or height. The handles/knobs shall be made of wood or metal only and the front window
shall be limited to plexiglass or a similar safety glass product. Roofing materials shall be limited to wood
or metal. Any proposed deviation in design or materials from these standards requires a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
5.Installation of wood or metal garden trellises or arbors not exceeding eight feet in height that are
located behind the front line of the house, as well as landscaping or retaining walls up to six feet in height
that are made of natural stone, parged masonry block with rowlock or basket-weave brick caps, brick,
poured concrete with rowlock or basket-weave brick caps, masonry block capped and faced with brick, or
wood, and are located behind the front line of the house.
6.Removal of any deciduous trees that are smaller than 24” DBH (diameter at breast height: 4’ to
4.5’ above ground), or any evergreen trees that are smaller than 30” DBH, where a circumferential
measurement of all trunks and stems of the same tree divided by pi (3.14) shall be used to calculate the
diameter. A replacement tree shall be planted on site for each tree over 12” DBH to be removed unless
staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a planting. Replanted trees shall be of a similar species
and similar size at maturity to the tree(s) to be removed. Removal of healthy deciduous trees greater
than 24” DBH, healthy evergreen trees over 30” DBH, healthy foundation plantings, healthy hedges, or
extensive landscaped areas visible from the street requires Commission approval.
7.Removal of mature single, multi-stem, or multi-trunk deciduous trees 24” in diameter or larger or
evergreen trees 30” in diameter or larger, using a circumferential measurement of all trunks or stems of
the same tree divided by pi (3.14) to calculate the diameter at breast height (measured at 4-4.5 feet above
the ground), that have been severely damaged due to extreme weather or need to be removed due to
severe disease or deterioration of the tree. A letter from an ISA-certified arborist must be submitted to
staff to verify the deterioration of the tree and its need for removal. Removal of healthy single, multi-
stem or multi-trunk deciduous trees 24” in diameter or larger at breast height or healthy evergreen trees
over 30” DBH requires Commission approval. Staff will require a replacement tree planting for each tree
to be removed that will grow to similar size and species at maturity unless staff determines that site
conditions prohibit such a planting.
8.Removal of trees of any size if Town staff determines through field verification that the trees
pose a clear and immediate threat to public safety or are clearly dead or dying. Staff will require a
replacement tree planting for each tree to be removed that will grow to similar size and species at
maturity unless staff determines that site conditions prohibit such a planting.
9.Alterations to existing patios located behind the front line of the house or additions to patios
located behind the front line of a house or building, provided that the total square footage does not
exceed 400 square feet and the materials match those existing as closely as possible.
10.Removal of gardens, planting beds, hedges, screen plantings, or shrubbery that are not historically
significant as determined by staff.
11.Installation of hedges, foundation, or screen plantings that do not conceal architectural details or
features on a historic structure.
B.Fences and Walls:
1.Installation of residential fences located behind the front line of the house, made of wood or wood
with welded wire that are picket, post and rail, split rail, or privacy in style. Privacy fences may be no taller
than six feet, but garden enclosures may extend to seven feet only if the final foot is wire. Fences made
of wood post and welded wire must include a top and bottom rail. Picket, split rail, and post and rail fences
may be no taller than four feet. Wood privacy fences five feet or less in height may have an additional one
foot of square-patterned wood lattice on top, but the total fence height shall not exceed six feet measured
from ground level.
2.Removal or replacement of existing fences that are not historically significant, as determined by
staff, and are less than 6 feet tall. Replacement fences shall be wood or wood with welded wire.
Replacement of existing fences with any other material besides wood or wood with welded wire requires
full Commission approval.
3.Construction of new walls made of wood, stone, brick, parged masonry block with rowlock or
basket weave brick cap, poured concrete wall with rowlock or basket weave brick cap, or masonry block
faced and capped with brick that are less than 4 feet tall and are located behind the front line of the
structure. Use of any other materials, including synthetic materials, for walls requires full Commission
approval.
4.Removal or replacement of existing walls that are not historically significant, as determined by
staff, and are less than 4 feet tall. Replacement walls shall be made of wood, stone, brick, parged masonry
block with rowlock or basket weave brick cap, poured concrete wall with rowlock or basket weave brick
cap, or masonry block faced and capped with brick. Use of any other materials, including synthetic
materials, for replacement walls requires full Commission approval.
5.Pet enclosures of any non-opaque wood or metal fencing material that are not attached to the
house, enclose less than 25% of the lot, and are located behind the rear line of the house.
C.Walkways, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking:
1.New or replacement stone, gravel, concrete, asphalt, or brick walkways. For replacement of
historic stone or brick walkways, the original materials must be repaired and/or replaced in kind. Existing
dirt or gravel walkways may be replaced with concrete, brick, stone or asphalt paving, provided the width
does not exceed five feet on historic properties. For Landmark properties, new or replacement sidewalks
may not exceed eight feet in width without Commission approval.
2.Paving of existing dirt, crushed stone, or gravel driveways and off-street parking areas when the
replacement materials are concrete, brick or asphalt. The use of natural stone or other natural or synthetic
materials as replacement surface materials requires Commission approval, as does changing from natural
stone to another material.
3.Minor alterations to existing private drives and public streets such as maintenance grading,
resurfacing, re-alignment, and the repair of existing driveway surfaces.
D.Public Rights-of-Way:
1.Removal, replacement, and installation of streetscape amenities proposed by the Town of
Hillsborough Public Space Division including but not limited to street furniture, bus shelters, planters,
signage, waste receptacles, benches, bicycle racks, pavers, and railings that are very similar or identical in
design to amenities previously approved by the HDC and are located on Town property or within public
rights-of-way.
2.Installation, alteration, or removal of permanently-affixed street furniture and screening for
commercial sidewalk dining and merchandise displays that are made of wood, stone, concrete, brick, glass
and/or metal that meet Town Code and do not exceed 4 feet in height above grade. Permanently-affixed
items over 4 feet tall shall require Commission approval.
3.Installation of new or replacement utility poles and street lights in the public right-of-way. The
poles shall be either wood or metal, and the maximum height above grade including the light fixtures shall
not exceed 25 feet. Any proposed utility pole height exceeding 25 feet shall require Commission approval.
E.Archaeological Features:
1.Any proposed change to, disturbance of, or removal of archaeological features shall require
Commission review and approval.
F.Exterior Lighting:
1.Installation, alteration, or removal of exterior commercial light fixtures, including security and
egress lighting required by building or fire code, that are made of metal hung in traditional locations that
do not compromise the architectural integrity of a building. The design and location of all lighting
proposed shall be submitted to and approved by staff prior to approval for installation and shall meet all
regulations in Section 6.11 of the Unified Development Ordinance.
2.Installation, alteration, or removal of exterior residential light fixtures that are made of wood or
metal and hung in traditional locations that do not compromise the architectural integrity of a building.
The design and location of all lighting proposed shall be submitted to and approved by staff prior to
approval for installation.
3.Installation of metal light fixtures on painted or stained wood or metal poles on private property
that are installed in traditional locations for the district and do not exceed eight feet in height measured
at ground level. This is not intended to apply to lights installed within the public right-of-way.
G.Signage:
1.Commercial signs of painted or sandblasted wood or non-printed metal construction that comply
with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance in regard to size and location. Signs must
also be installed in traditional locations in such a way as to not damage or conceal architectural features
or details on a historic building or property. Historic mill properties recognized as local landmarks may
have campus or way-finding signage, suite, or tenant signage that complies with the requirements of the
Unified Development Ordinance and is made of printed aluminum, painted metal, or painted wood. All
signs must be hung either parallel or perpendicular to building face.
2.Printed metal signs not exceeding 4 square feet in area mounted on metal U-channel posts not
exceeding 6 feet in height that are exempt under Sections 6.18.4.2 and 6.18.4.7 to be erected on private
property for safety, wayfinding, or to restrict unauthorized use of or access to private property. Staff must
approve the location and orientation of the signs, which must be located behind the right-of-way line
entirely on private property, and oriented so as to not be confused with public signage.
3.Individually-cut and mounted vinyl letters or logos with absolutely no background material,
whether clear or otherwise, that are mounted to the interior of windows or door glass on commercial
buildings and are visible from the public right-of-way or pedestrian areas in the historic district.
4.Installation of a sandwich board sign, during open hours of business that is of A-frame
construction has a maximum of six square feet per side, does not exceed four feet in height, and has a
wood or metal frame that is elevated by the use of feet or legs. No plastic, vinyl, or other incompatible
materials shall be permitted for the facing of the sign; however, a chalkboard face is permitted.
H.Art:
1.Installation/alteration of art, including items such as, but not limited to, freestanding sculptures,
wall-mounted murals, mosaics, and metal installations that are not affixed to a building or site. This minor
work item is not intended to apply to common and seasonal decorations and garden accents, which are
exempt from review.
IV.Relocation and Demolition
A.Relocation of Existing Buildings:
1.Relocation of existing accessory structures that do not fall within the period of historic significance
from a side or rear yard location to a different side or rear yard location on the same property. Structures
proposed to be relocated shall be less than 144 square feet in area and shall require zoning approval.
Structures proposed to be relocated that do not meet these criteria shall require Commission approval.
B.Demolition of Existing Buildings:
1.Demolition of existing accessory structures or buildings that are not architecturally or historically
significant and are less than 144 square feet in area for a district property or 1,500 square feet in area for
historic mill properties recognized as local Landmarks. Demolition of primary buildings or those not
meeting these criteria require Commission approval.
V.Existing Certificates of Appropriateness
A.Changes to Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:
1.Changes to previously-approved Certificates of Appropriateness deemed by staff not to be
substantial.
2.Exterior changes to buildings or sites within the historic district or on local landmark properties
that are deemed by staff to clearly be minor in nature, such as slight variations on existing minor works
and other types of minor exterior changes, including items such as replacement of synthetic materials on
building features when replaced with wood or metal in the same configuration as the feature being
replaced, and other items for which there have historically been consistent, recurring approval by the
Historic District Commission. Staff will refer minor work proposals to the Historic District Commission for
review if the changes proposed involve alterations, additions, or removal of features that will, in staff’s
determination based on the Design Guidelines, significantly alter the character or setting of a building or
site, do not meet intent of the Design Guidelines, or are of a precedent-setting nature in the District.
B.Renewal of Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:
1.Renewal of expired Certificates of Appropriateness, provided there is no change from the
originally-approved plans.