Does the Historical Commission have to approve things like fences, security bars on windows, flower boxes, holiday decorations?
The overall character of the district is not only defined by the buildings, but also by the streetscape and street furniture. Fencing, security bars, and attached window boxes are subject to review. The concern with window boxes has generally been limited to the method of attachment (for example, mounts drilled into mortar joints rather than into brick). Historic fencing should be retained and repaired. New fencing should be as plain as possible so that it doesn’t give a false historical appearance. Generally, the Commission requires security bars to be located inside the windows (particularly inside a storefront, rather than roll-down security gratings). The Commission does not regulate holiday decorations.
