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

**Body:** City of Asheville — Historic Resources Commission
**Date:** May 13, 2026 4:00 PM EDT (2026-05-13T16:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - First Floor Conference Room

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521

## Summary

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.

## Agenda

- [Historic Resources Champion Award Presentation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20804)
- [Welcome and Roll Call](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/458)
- [Adoption of April 8, 2026 Minutes and Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/459)
- [Swearing In](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20805)
- [Public Hearings](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/460)
- [Old Business Public Hearings](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/461)
- [Public Hearings on Certificates of Appropriateness and Preliminary Subdivision Review](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20806)
- [570 Walton Street - Walton St Park (PIN 9648122845) - Adaptive reuse of pool structure and upfit of pool house and site. Applicant: Progressive Companies; Eric R. Howell/City of Asheville](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/462)
- [Materials: Staff Report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20807)
- [265 Cumberland Avenue (PIN 2649045369) - Alteration of existing retaining wall in front yard. Applicant: Jennifer & Andrew Ayala](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/463)
- [Materials: Staff Report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20808)
- [30 Lodge Street (PIN 2648607352) - Demolition of non-original enclosed entryways on front elevation, installation of new doors, new mechanical equipment and repainting. Applicant: Chris Renno](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/465)
- [Materials: Staff Report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20809)
- [174 Montford Avenue (PIN 9649028665) - Modification of roof line on rear elevation. Applicant: Kirstin Millan](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/466)
- [Materials: Staff Report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20810)
- [315 Pearson Drive (PIN 9639854065) - Enclosure of porch on the rear elevation. Applicant: Jessica Larsen](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/467)
- [Materials: Staff report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20811)
- [Montford Design Standard Amendments](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/469)
- [Next Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/473)
- [Materials: Executive Committee Memorandum and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/470)
- [Adjournment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/474)
- [Executive Committee Nominations](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/20812)
- [HRC Education Event - June 12, 2026 at Young Men’s Institute (YMI)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/471)
- [Other Comments from Commissioners, Public and Staff](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521/item/472)

## Votes

- Council Member Smith moved to …, seconded by Jones. The motion carried 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Chairman, based upon the evidence presented to this Commission, including Exhibit A - application, photos, and plans (12 pages); Exhibit B - revised application (1 page - received February 24, 2026); Exhibit C - revised site plans (9 pages - received February 24, 2026); and the Commission’s actual inspection and review of subject property by all members; I move that this Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness — Passed
- Motion to approve Certificate of Appropriateness based on findings and reasons set forth therein. — Passed
- Motion to approve/deny Certificate of Appropriateness based on evidence presented. — Passed
- I move that this Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness based on findings 1-4. — Passed, 14-0
- Motion by: Vice-Chair Oliva
Second by: Ms. Gorman — Passed, 14-0
- Motion by: Ms. Bowen
Second by: Ms. Gorman — Passed, 14-0
- I move that this Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness based on findings 1-3. — Passed, 14-0
- I move that this Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness based on the following:
1. That the application is to enclose the existing porch on rear elevation with wood lap siding matching existing, Miratec board and batten siding, 4/1 wood TDL double-hung windows and 9-lite wood door with 3-lite transom; all trim and corner boards will be wood. Modification of two (2) window openings on north elevation; all new trim will be wood and match existing. All work will be completed in accordance with approved and attached drawings and plans. **All permits, variances, or approvals as required by law must be obtained before work may commence.**
2. That the standards for Porches, Entrances and Balconies found on pages 72-73 and Windows and Doors on pages 84-85 of the Montford Historic District Design Review Standards, adopted April 14, 2010 and amended December 11, 2019, were used to evaluate this request.
3. This application does meet the design standards for the following reasons:
a. New windows and door will be on the rear elevation, and will be wood and compatible with the overall design of the building.
b. Porch to be enclosed is on the rear elevation, and the enclosure is designed so that the historic character and features of the porch are preserved.
4. That the action and improvements proposed in the application before us for a Certificate of Appropriateness are congruous with the special historic character of the Montford Historic District. — Passed
- Based upon the foregoing findings and for the reasons set forth therein, I move that a Certificate of Appropriateness be **issued** . — Passed
- Motion to approve changing the kitchen windows; leaving the other two windows with interior solutions; enclosing the porch; and ensuring the new doors and windows are made out of wood. — Passed
- Mr. Mays made a motion to move the fencing amendments back to the July HRC meeting. — Passed, 6-2
- Vice-Chair Oliva made a motion to nominate Ms. Gorman as Chair, Ms. Moxley as Vice-Chair, Ms. Watkins as 2nd Vice-Chair, and Mr. Skouby as 3rd Vice-Chair for the new Executive Committee. — Unknown, 6-0
- Vice-Chair Oliva made a motion to adopt the amendments for revisions to page 11 and 89 on additions. — Passed, 10-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGnyB4nX_XM
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1900/segments

## Documents

- [Copy of 1951 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map - Added by Staff 5/4/26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10600)
- [265 Cumberland Ave FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10833)
- [Untitled presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10840)
- [Copy of 315 Pearson Dr FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10956)
- [HRC Minutes May 2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10836)
- [Copy of Exhibit C - Photos.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10584)
- [Copy of Exhibit B - Site & Building Plans.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10575)
- [agenda_2026-05-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=6896)
- [minutes_2026-05-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10556)
- [Copy of Exhibit A - Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10622)
- [Copy of Exhibit E - Photos.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10598)
- [Copy of HRC May 2026 Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10841)
- [Copy of Exhibit B - Floor Plans & Elevation Drawings.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12852)
- [Copy of Exhibit C - Revised Site Plans - Rcvd 2/24/26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12850)
- [Copy of Exhibit A - Application, Photos and Plans.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10603)
- [Copy of Exhibit B - Proposed Elevation Drawing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12851)
- [Copy of Exhibit B - Revised Application - Rcvd 2/24/26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12849)
- [Copy of Exhibit C - Photos.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10613)
- [Staff Report and Project Materials](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10544)
- [Copy of Exhibit D - Photos.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10621)
- [Copy of Exhibit D - SHPO Technical Advice Letter - received 5.12.26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10573)
- [Accessible HRC Agenda May 2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10565)
- [May 2026 HRC Draft Motions.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10837)
- [HRC Staff Reports - May 2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10839)
- [HRC sign in tracking 5/13/26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10838)
- [Copy of HRC Minutes May 2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10562)
- [Copy of 265 Cumberland Ave FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10954)
- [Copy of HRC May 2026 Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10623)
- [Copy of Exhibit C -Materials.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10619)
- [Copy of Exhibit E - Mechanical Unit Screening - Rcvd 5_8_26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10618)
- [Copy of Exhibit A - Application & Project Description.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10610)
- [Copy of Exhibit B - Existing & Proposed Floor Plans.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12847)
- [Copy of Exhibit C - Existing & Proposed Elevation Drawings.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12846)
- [Copy of Exhibit D - Door & Window Schedule.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=12848)
- [Copy of HRC Staff Reports - May 2026.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10570)
- [Copy of Exhibit A - Application, Owner's Affidavit & Project Description.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10577)
- [Copy of Exhibit A - Application & Project Description.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10593)
- [174 Montford Ave FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10834)
- [HRC May 2026 Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10842)
- [May 2026 HRC Certificate of Notice .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10843)
- [315 Pearson Dr FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10832)
- [30 Lodge St FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10835)
- [May 2026 HRC Certificate of Notice .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10844)
- [Copy of HRC Award Description.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10845)
- [Copy of 30 Lodge St FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10957)
- [Copy of 174 Montford Ave FOF.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1521?document=10955)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/historic-resources-commission-in-person-may-13-2026/)