During a recent meeting of the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, discussions centered on a property located in the O'Kelly Historic District, which has undergone several landscaping changes without prior approval. The property, built in 1895 in the Queen Anne Revival style, is now seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the installation of a new black aluminum fence, a natural wood fence, and additional landscaping features.

The board reviewed the alterations made to the property, which included the installation of a 4-foot aluminum fence and a 6-foot wood fence, as well as landscaping changes that were executed before obtaining the necessary COA. The previous approval for a similar aluminum fence had expired in January 2022, prompting the current review.

The homeowner, Tim Creeley, addressed the board, explaining that the landscaping changes were made in an effort to restore the yard, which had been damaged during renovations. He expressed a lack of awareness regarding the need for approval for landscaping alterations, believing that such changes were permissible as long as they did not involve structural modifications. Creeley emphasized that the gravel added to the driveway was a practical solution to maintain the yard and prevent wear from vehicle traffic.

The board acknowledged the homeowner's intentions but highlighted the importance of adhering to historic preservation guidelines. They noted that while some alterations were deemed appropriate, the proposed granite landscaping was not in line with the district's standards. The board indicated that the wood privacy fence could not extend beyond the home's facade, necessitating conditions for its approval.

As the meeting concluded, the board members reiterated the significance of understanding and following the historic preservation codes to avoid future complications. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by homeowners in historic districts, balancing personal needs with the preservation of community heritage. The board's decision on the COA will determine the next steps for the property, as they aim to maintain the integrity of the historic district while accommodating the homeowner's requests.