Historic Resources Commission (In-Person) (Jul 9, 2025)

Historic Resources Commission Meeting Recap: July 9, 2025

On July 9th, the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) convened a meeting to review proposed changes to historic properties across Asheville and Buncombe County. This meeting, operating as a quasi-judicial proceeding focused on evidence and established regulations within the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), directly impacts the character and preservation of our historic neighborhoods. Here's a breakdown of what transpired, why it matters, and what’s next.

Key Decisions & Approvals: A significant portion of the meeting centered around Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) requests. The HRC approved plans for repairs and replacements at 70 Cherokee Road in Albemarle Park, including a stone retaining wall repair (with stipulations on matching existing materials) and tree replacement. They also approved the after-the-fact installation of a black steel picket fence in Hummingbird Park (97 Starnes Avenue, Montford) and a post-and-wire fence replacement at 45 Pearson Drive in Montford. A plan to replace concrete walkways and driveways with stone/brick materials at 255 Cumberland Avenue in Montford was also approved.

Discussion Highlights: Preserving Historic Character: A recurring theme throughout the meeting was ensuring that any changes to historic properties maintain consistency with the neighborhood's established character. Commissioners frequently referenced UDO guidelines and design review standards when evaluating proposals, particularly focusing on material choices like stone veneer versus natural stone. The proposed regrading of the rear yard at 265 Cumberland Avenue was rejected, demonstrating the commission's commitment to preserving existing topography. A notable debate revolved around fencing styles and their appropriateness within the Montford Historic District, highlighting the ongoing effort to balance modern needs with historic preservation.

Community Input: Voices Heard: Several citizens attended the meeting and shared their perspectives during public comment periods. Concerns were raised regarding potential impacts on neighborhood aesthetics, particularly concerning fence styles and material choices. One resident brought photographic evidence of existing fences to support their argument, demonstrating a community invested in preserving the unique look and feel of their neighborhoods.

Action Items & What's Next: While many proposals received approval, some require follow-up. The applicant for 70 Cherokee Road must now submit additional photos and dimensions of the existing stone wall to ensure accurate matching during repairs. The applicant for 265 Cumberland Avenue has a more substantial task ahead: providing detailed manufacturer specifications for windows, doors, siding and roofing to ensure compliance with historic guidelines. The Executive Committee will also be meeting next week to discuss the fencing guidelines, a topic raised by several speakers during the public comment periods. Finally, it was reiterated that all approved projects must obtain necessary permits from the city before work commences, and any potential discovery of archaeological resources during construction necessitates an immediate halt to operations.

Why This Matters: The HRC's decisions directly impact the visual landscape of our historic neighborhoods. Their work ensures that changes to properties respect and preserve the unique architectural heritage that defines Asheville and Buncombe County. By carefully considering proposals through a quasi-judicial process, the HRC strives to balance property owner rights with the collective responsibility of safeguarding our historic legacy for future generations.

Stay Informed: For detailed information, including full meeting transcripts and guidelines, visit the City of Asheville's website (search for "Historic Resources Commission"). You can also attend future HRC meetings to directly engage in the preservation process.