Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (May 13, 2026)

The Historic Resources Commission (HRC) of Asheville and Buncombe County met on May 13, 2026, to review development applications within historic districts, discuss design standard amendments, and recognize local preservation efforts. The meeting included public hearings for five properties, with the commission issuing Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for four of them. The commission also addressed ongoing revisions to the Montford Historic District design standards and nominated members for its Executive Committee.

Key Decisions and Votes

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 8, 2026 meeting. During the public hearings, the HRC voted to approve Certificates of Appropriateness for four properties, with specific conditions attached to each:

• 265 Cumberland Avenue: The commission unanimously approved a COA for widening a driveway and relocating a retaining wall. The approval included the condition that the existing dogwood tree be removed and replaced with another tree or large shrub.
• 30 Lodge Street (Biltmore Village): The commission unanimously approved a COA for the renovation of the Southern Railway Passenger Depot, which includes removing non-historic enclosures and installing new doors. The approval is conditional on the applicant submitting revised wood door specifications for staff review and approval.
• 174 Montford Avenue: The commission unanimously approved a COA to change the flat roofline on the rear elevation to a pitched asphalt shingle roof. The condition requires the roofing material to match the existing dark-colored asphalt shingles.
• 315 Pearson Drive: The commission unanimously approved a COA to enclose the rear porch and modify windows. Conditions require the applicant to submit revised wood window and door specifications, as well as existing and proposed side elevations showing the window modifications, for staff review and approval.

The hearing for 570 Walton Street (Walton St Park) was rescheduled to the June HRC meeting.

In "Other Business," the commission voted on amendments to the Montford Historic District design standards. A motion to adopt amendments to pages 11 and 89 regarding additions passed unanimously (10-0). However, a motion to move the fencing amendments back to the July HRC meeting passed 6-2, delaying a final vote on those specific changes. The commission also voted 6-2 to approve the following Executive Committee nominations: Ms. Gorman as Chair, Ms. Moxley as Vice-Chair, Ms. Watkins as 2nd Vice-Chair, and Mr. Skouby as 3rd Vice-Chair. A separate motion to nominate alternative Executive Committee members failed.

Discussion Highlights

The meeting opened with the presentation of the Historic Resources Champion Awards, recognizing Dr. Todd Gregg for his documentary Black in Asheville, the Come Hell or High Water Project for archiving stories following Tropical Storm Helene, and the Stumptown/Montford Fund for its work with the Asheville-Buncombe community land trust.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Montford Historic District design standard amendments, a process initiated two years prior. The most contentious topic was the proposed modification of fence regulations. After extensive discussion balancing resident concerns about privacy and security with the preservation of historic character, the commission decided to postpone the vote on the fence amendments until the July meeting. Commissioners indicated that more time was needed to review historical documentation and consider community feedback gathered from a February 2026 survey.

Regarding the 30 Lodge Street depot renovation, staff noted the importance of using breathable, historically appropriate materials, such as lime-based plaster, to ensure long-term structural integrity, particularly in flood-prone areas. For the 315 Pearson Drive application, staff cautioned against modifying windows on primary facades unless absolutely necessary for functional use.

Follow-ups

• 30 Lodge Street: The applicant must submit revised wood door specifications for staff review and approval.
• 315 Pearson Drive: The applicant must submit revised wood window and door specifications, along with existing and proposed side elevations showing window opening modifications, for staff review and approval.
• Montford Design Standards: The Executive Committee will determine the next steps regarding the fencing amendments, and staff will be consulted regarding scheduling a special work session.
• White Oak Tree Designation: Ms. Bowen agreed to discuss with a City Council member the possibility of designating a 400-year-old White Oak tree as historic, acting on her own behalf to explore jurisdictional options.

Impact

These decisions allow property owners in the Montford and Biltmore Village historic districts to proceed with renovations that align with preservation guidelines, provided they meet the specified conditions regarding materials and design. The delay in the Montford fence amendments means that current regulations will remain in effect until the commission reconvenes in July to finalize those specific rules. The upcoming HRC Education Event is scheduled for June 12, 2026, at the Young Men’s Institute (YMI), and the next regular HRC meeting is set for June 10, 2026.