Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting

On April 2, 2026, the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board met at 4:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered two Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), approved minutes, and discussed board composition and preservation standards. Quorum was present with six members; Noelle Smith was absent.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 5, 2026 meeting as published.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caroline Roberts (neighbor at 1107 SE 7th St) expressed full support for the wall proposed at 1116 SE 5th St (COA 26-0006), stating it would improve safety and property values in the neighborhood. She noted a prior homicide nearby had heightened residents' concerns.
• John Harris (applicant, 906 E Fort King St) described their commitment to restoring the historic William J. Marshall House, reusing original materials and making the property more family-friendly to deter commercial conversion. His wife, Stacey Harris, added that they purchased the home after it was under contract for commercial use and are investing in its preservation.

Discussion Items

COA 26-0006 – 1116 SE 5th St: Install a six-foot-tall wall

• Staff presentation: Planner Charlotte Whitehead explained the request to build a masonry wall along the western property line on SE 11th Ave. The property (non-contributing, built 1952) is a single-story brick residence. Similar walls exist across the street. Staff recommended conditional approval with landscaping to soften visual impact and a separate COA for any future aluminum fencing.
• Applicant Kevin Reed testified about a recent homicide near his home, stating the wall is needed to protect his family. He showed photos of neighbors' identical walls and promised to match their design with creeping fig landscaping. He noted his next-door neighbor supports the project.
• Board questions: Members asked about column intervals, coping, and landscaping. Reed stated the wall will match the neighbor's wall without prominent brick columns but with structural divisions. The board discussed whether vegetation should be a condition. Motion by Carol Barber to approve with conditions including landscaping (e.g., creeping fig) per code section 94-82G. Seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).
• Outcome: Approved with conditions: landscaping must be installed; building permit required; COA valid for 6 months with 12 months to complete.

COA 26-0012 – 906 E Fort King St: Multiple exterior alterations

• Staff presentation: The project includes replacing deteriorated wood fencing with black aluminum, repairing shutters and window trim, enclosing and expanding a screened porch for interior reconfiguration, adding stairs from carport to deck, replacing upper deck railing, and relocating windows/doors. The property is a contributing 1908 Classical Revival house (William J. Marshall House). Staff recommended conditional approval, noting retention and reuse of original materials.
• Board discussion: Member Jane Cosand raised concerns that enclosing a porch conflicts with Secretary of Interior Standards, which favor open porches. Other members argued the project is a careful restoration that saves a house from potential demolition. The applicants emphasized reversible construction (keeping porch ceiling and ductwork) and commitment to preservation. Motion by Carol Barber to approve with staff’s conditions (materials match, reuse historic windows/doors, repair prioritized, aluminum fencing open design max 6 ft). Seconded and passed (4-1, with Jane Cosand opposing due to the porch enclosure).

Key Outcomes

• Approved COA 26-0006 with conditions (landscaping, permitting).
• Approved COA 26-0012 with conditions (materials match, reuse, repair, fencing details). Both approvals cited Ocala City Code Section 94-82G.
• Workshop planned: Staff agreed to schedule a workshop to review Secretary of Interior Standards and the board’s historic guidelines, which are outdated (last updated ~1994).
• Board composition: Members discussed difficulty filling seats and maintaining quorum. Staff noted that the city is considering code revisions through Vision 2050, which may adjust board makeup requirements. Current quorum requirement (5 members) is set by code.
• Next meeting: Scheduled for May 7, 2026.