# Special Meeting: Historic Resources Commission (Virtual) (Apr 28, 2026) **Body:** City of Asheville — Historic Resources Commission **Date:** April 28, 2026 9:00 AM EDT (2026-04-28T09:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724 ## Summary The Historic Resources Commission held a special virtual work session on April 28, 2026, to review proposed amendments to the Montford Historic District Design Standards. This meeting served as a work session for the Executive Committee to provide feedback on resident-proposed changes, which have been under review since early 2024. The session focused on refining recommendations regarding fences, additions, and clarifying language within the standards before they are presented to the full commission. No formal votes or decisions were taken during this meeting, as the body explicitly stated that no public comment would be accepted and the session was for discussion only. Key discussions centered on three primary areas of the design standards. The committee proposed adding clarifying language to Page 11 to better connect the design standards to the National Register nomination for the Montford Historic District. Regarding fences in front yards, the committee debated the subjectivity of the current "case-by-case" review process. While the committee leaned toward maintaining this review method, they considered adding clarifying language to address concerns about consistency. On the topic of additions, the committee reviewed revisions to ensure new structures remain subordinate to existing historic buildings, with a focus on allowing additions on non-character-defining facades. The committee did not support further changes to standards for windows, doors, or solar panels. Public input was limited to commission members and specific residents who spoke during the session. Rob Mays, a resident and attorney, voiced strong concerns about the amendment process, questioning its transparency and fairness. He argued that the results of a February 2026 community survey were not adequately considered and expressed disappointment with the proposed changes, particularly regarding fences. Commissioner Leslie Humphrey, a construction company owner and resident, suggested developing a clear rubric for case-by-case fence decisions to ensure greater consistency. Commissioner Gorman emphasized the importance of balancing community desires with the preservation of Montford’s historic character. The Executive Committee outlined specific next steps for the amendment process. The committee will schedule a follow-up meeting to finalize its recommendations before presenting them to the full Historic Resources Commission. The full commission is scheduled to hold a public comment session and vote on the proposed amendments at its meeting on May 13, 2026. Additionally, staff agreed to update a project page with timeline information to keep the community informed. The committee also discussed the possibility of splitting the vote to allow for separate consideration of fence guidelines and addition guidelines. These discussions are significant for property owners within the Montford Historic District, as the design standards govern exterior changes, additions, and fencing. The proposed amendments aim to clarify how new construction complements existing historic structures and how fence requests are evaluated. By refining the language and potentially establishing a rubric for fence reviews, the commission is addressing community concerns about consistency and transparency. Residents are encouraged to attend the May 13 meeting to provide public comment and learn more about the final proposed changes. ## Agenda - [Call Meeting to Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/707) - [Introductions](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/708) - [Timeline/Background Recap](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/709) - [Executive Committee Makeup](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/710) - [Design Standard Amendment Process](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/711) - [Executive Committee Analysis & Feedback Summary](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/712) - [Commission Member Comments/Questions - 3-5 minutes/member](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/713) - [Next Steps](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/714) - [Adjourn](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724/item/715) ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg-QBPtcMBA - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1858/segments ## Documents - [HRC April 2026 Work Session Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=6526) - [agenda_2026-04-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=6524) - [April 2026 HRC Work Session Memo.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=6525) - [Wilmington, NC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=8654) - [Copy of Montford Standards Redline Draft.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=6527) - [the draft amendments can be found here.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=8662) - [Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=8661) - [Raleigh, NC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=8652) - [Charlotte, NC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=8656) - [Montford Historic District Design Standards.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=8648) - [minutes_2026-04-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2724?document=14499) ## Sources - [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/hold-hrc-special-work-session-2-virtual-apr-28-2026/)