Navigating Fairfield’s Historic District Fence Approval: Your 2024 Guide to Design Review Success
Installing a fence in Fairfield’s Historic Districts requires more than just choosing the right materials—it demands careful navigation of the Design Review Board requirements that protect the town’s architectural heritage. Whether you’re in Greenfield Hill, Southport, or the Old Post Road Historic District, understanding the approval process can save you time, money, and frustration.
Understanding Fairfield’s Historic District Commission Authority
The Historic District Commission has broad authority, approving nearly any change to a property within a historic district if that change is visible from a public street (assuming that natural barriers such as shrubs and trees are not in place, since they can be removed). This oversight includes, but is not limited to, signs, fences and walls.
The Commission discusses and votes on alterations to properties within the Town’s three historic districts – Greenfield Hill, Southport and the Old Post Road by downtown Fairfield. The Historic District Commission generally meets virtually on the second Thursday of the month at 4:15 pm.
Key Requirements for Historic District Fence Approval
In considering the appropriateness of a proposed change, the Historic District Commission is guided by Connecticut’s governing statute, the local regulations in this handbook and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Connecticut law defines “structure” as any combination of materials, other than a building, which is affixed to the land, and shall include, but not be limited to, signs, fences and walls.
The approval process focuses on ensuring that proposed fences are “appropriate,” meaning not incongruous with those aspects of the historic district which the historic district commission determines to be historically or architecturally significant.
Application Process and Timeline
Your building permit application will not proceed until you have received approval from the Town Plan and Zoning Department, the Conservation Department, and the Historic District Commission (if applicable), to ensure that the proposed work will be permissible. Pre-application discussions are encouraged before preparation of detailed plans and prior to submission of a formal Application for Certificate of Appropriateness. To determine if a structure is within an Historic District, the applicant must consult the maps in the Building Department in Independence Hall.
All letters of public support or opposition to an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness MUST be addressed and mailed to: The Historic District Commission, Sullivan Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Road, Fairfield, Ct 06824. Letters must be received no later than Wednesday, 2:00 p.m., the week prior to the Public Hearing.
Design Guidelines and Material Considerations
Historic district fence approvals require careful attention to materials, height, and style compatibility. Colonial-style properties often face additional restrictions to preserve historical authenticity. The Commission evaluates how proposed fencing will impact the historic character of the streetscape and neighboring properties.
Traditional materials like wood picket fencing, wrought iron, or stone walls are typically more favorable for approval than modern vinyl or chain-link alternatives. The fence design should complement the architectural style of your home and the overall character of the historic district.
Working with Professional Fence Companies
Navigating historic district requirements is complex, which is why many homeowners choose to work with experienced contractors who understand local regulations. When selecting a fence company fairfield residents can trust, it’s essential to find one with specific experience in historic district projects.
Roots Landscaping offers top-quality professional fencing services for residential or commercial properties in Greater Danbury, Connecticut areas. Proudly serving Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, & western CT since 2000, when our team at Roots Landscaping officially opened our doors to do business, we made a vow to provide superior landscape services for our clients.
Their mission is to supply high-quality services and build long-term business relationships with our clients in the Greater Danbury area. They understand the specific challenges of working in this area—from soil conditions to local regulations, handling the permit application process as part of their service, ensuring everything meets local building codes and zoning requirements.
Permit Requirements Beyond Historic District Approval
Even after receiving Historic District Commission approval, you’ll still need to comply with standard zoning and building permit requirements. Most residential fences under six feet don’t require building permits in many towns. But zoning permits are different, and that’s where most people get tripped up.
Both towns require detailed property surveys for any fence within five feet of property lines. Most fence installations in New Fairfield require permits, especially for fences over four feet tall or those near property lines. Getting permits upfront also protects your investment and ensures your fence won’t need modifications after installation.
Common Approval Challenges and Solutions
The most common reasons for fence application delays or denials include inadequate documentation, inappropriate materials for the historic setting, and failure to consider sight lines from public streets. The permit timeline in both towns can extend to 30 days or more, especially during peak construction season. This consultation process often reveals local preferences and unwritten guidelines that can make the difference between approval and denial.
To improve your chances of approval, consider scheduling a pre-application consultation with the Historic District Commission staff. Bring photos of your property, proposed fence materials, and examples of similar approved projects in your district.
2024 Updates and Best Practices
Permit applications can only be submitted ONLINE through City Squared, streamlining the initial submission process. However, Historic District Commission review still requires in-person or virtual hearings for most fence projects.
Recent trends show increased approval rates for fences that incorporate traditional design elements while using modern, low-maintenance materials that closely mimic historic appearances. Composite materials that replicate wood grain and color are gaining acceptance when traditional wood maintenance would be problematic.
Successfully navigating Fairfield’s Historic District fence approval process requires patience, proper documentation, and often professional guidance. By understanding the requirements upfront and working with experienced contractors who know local regulations, you can achieve both the privacy and security you want while preserving the historic character that makes Fairfield’s neighborhoods so distinctive.
The key to success lies in early planning, appropriate material selection, and thorough preparation of your application materials. With proper preparation and professional support, your fence project can enhance both your property’s functionality and its contribution to Fairfield’s historic streetscape.