Historic Resources Commission Regular Meeting (In-person) (Jun 11, 2025)

Meeting Overview The Historic Resources Commission (HRC) of the City of Asheville held its regular in-person meeting on June 11, 2025. As a quasi-judicial body, the commission reviewed applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) regarding alterations, demolitions, and new construction within Asheville’s historic districts. The session focused on evaluating whether proposed projects complied with established preservation guidelines and district design standards.

Key Decisions The commission voted to approve the minutes and findings of fact and conclusions of law from the previous meeting, with a vote of 7-0. Regarding specific property applications, the commission voted on three items with recorded outcomes:

• Certificate of Appropriateness - 112 Pearson Drive (PIN 9649031309): The request failed with a vote of 6-1. Staff had recommended against approval, citing that the proposed tinting of brick masonry violated standards regarding historically unpainted surfaces.
• Certificate of Appropriateness - 19 Brook Street (PIN 9647795641): The request passed. This item involved the demolition of a structure in the Biltmore Village historic district that was damaged by Hurricane Helene. Staff recommended approval, noting the structure was not a contributing element to the historic character of the village.
• Certificate of Appropriateness - 46 Pearson Drive (PIN 9649024666) and 42 Pearson Drive (PIN 9649025600): While these items were on the agenda, the recorded vote list provided does not include specific tallies for these two addresses. However, the transcript summary indicates the commission approved a modified plan for the fencing at these properties with specific conditions.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the fencing applications at 46 and 42 Pearson Drive in the Montford Historic District. The applicant sought after-the-fact approval for existing fencing that did not fully comply with current standards, specifically regarding the use of top and bottom rails on post-and-wire fencing. After debate regarding the interpretation of guidelines, the commission approved a modified plan with the following conditions:

• Top and bottom rails on the post-and-wire fencing must be removed.
• The front yard fence must be modified to not exceed four feet in height and must be no more than 65% solid.
• The side yard fence must be set back at least one foot from the front building facade.

The commission also reviewed a request for an addition to a property in the Montford district (referenced in the transcript as 56 Pearson Drive, though the agenda lists 133 Montford Avenue for an addition). The transcript summary states the commission approved this application with conditions requiring staff review of the brick sample to ensure it matches existing materials and a modification to the chimney design to be smaller than originally proposed. Additionally, the commission discussed the interpretation of "non-contributing" structures and the balance between preservation efforts and property owner needs.

Community Input Several residents spoke during the hearings for the Pearson Drive properties, expressing concerns about adherence to historic guidelines and potential impacts on neighborhood character. Benjamin Mitchell, representing the property owner at 56 Pearson Drive, spoke regarding the need for demolition and future redevelopment plans.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to review the deck materials and counter design for the addition project (56 Pearson Drive/133 Montford Avenue) and to review the chimney design. The transcript summary notes that fence adjustments at 42 and 46 Pearson Drive must be completed by December 11, 2025.

Impact These decisions directly affect the physical appearance and development potential of properties within Asheville’s historic districts. The approval of the demolition at 19 Brook Street allows for future redevelopment that aligns with the historic character of Biltmore Village. The conditions imposed on the fencing at 46 and 42 Pearson Drive ensure that existing structures conform to the Montford Historic District’s design standards, specifically regarding fence height, solidity, and setbacks. The denial of the brick tinting at 112 Pearson Drive reinforces the standard that unpainted masonry should not be altered in a way that changes its historic appearance.