Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (Aug 12, 2026)

On August 12, 2026, the City of Asheville Historic Resources Commission held an in-person meeting to review design standards, hear public testimony on a fencing proposal, and discuss community preservation initiatives. The meeting was presided over by Vice Chair Amy Moxley.

The commission’s primary decision of the evening was the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 29 Elizabeth Street in the Montford Historic District. The application, submitted by owner Michael Billy, sought permission to install a four-foot-tall black aluminum picket fence in the front yard. Staff confirmed that the proposal met the applicable design standards for fences and walls, noting it did not exceed four feet in height or 50% opacity. During the public hearing, Mr. Billy explained that the fence was set back one foot from the sidewalk to protect the roots of a large tree located only five feet from the curb. The commission voted unanimously to approve the COA, finding the fence compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood.

In other business, the commission approved the minutes and Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law from the July 12, 2026 meeting, with a 7-0 vote. A correction was made to the minutes to clarify a statement regarding design standards; the record was amended to reflect that the speaker believed the Commission, rather than an individual member, has the responsibility to consider updating the standards.

During the open comment period, Jenny Bowen, representing Buncombe County Special Collections, provided several updates and suggestions. She noted that the current month marks the 50th anniversary of the first public art mural in downtown Asheville and suggested the Commission consider how aging murals might eventually fall under historic preservation standards. Bowen also raised concerns about the upcoming centennial of significant downtown buildings, including City Hall, and asked if the City had plans for celebrations. Additionally, she recommended the Mountaineer Motor Tour’s Douglas Ellington Tour as a resource for the Commission.

Bowen also discussed the preservation of a historic "Treasure Tree" located off Sand Hill and South Bear Creek Road. She stated that the tree, estimated to be over 300 years old, is at risk of damage from a neighboring mobile home park. Bowen requested that the Commission continue the process of obtaining a heritage tree designation to protect the tree. Deputy City Attorney Jannice Ashley responded by explaining that while City Council has the authority to designate heritage trees via ordinance, a formal process involving permanent easements needs to be created. Ashley indicated that looking into this process is a "great first step." Bowen offered to act as a facilitator to help the church property owners work out the legalities regarding the designation.

Regarding meeting logistics, Bowen suggested that the Commission consider capping meeting times at 8:00 PM to ensure better decision-making, noting that the previous month’s meeting was an outlier in duration. Vice Chair Amy Moxley agreed to communicate this suggestion to the Chair, who has the authority to monitor timing and limit speakers.

The commission was reminded of an education event scheduled for August 14, 2026. The next meeting of the Historic Resources Commission is scheduled for September 9, 2026.