Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting - June 4, 2026
Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting - June 4, 2026
The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board met on June 4, 2026, at City Hall to review five Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for alterations to contributing structures in the Ocala Historic District. The board approved three applications, denied one, and approved one with conditions, all based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and city historic code.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tim Creely (605 SE Sanchez Ave) spoke in support of COA26-0021 (fence at 706 SE 4th St), noting that similar black aluminum fences are common and historically appropriate in the neighborhood.
Discussion Items
- COA26-0021 (706 SE 4th St) – Installation of a 4-foot-tall, three-rail black aluminum fence around the front and side yard. The applicant was absent. Board members discussed the need for a rendering but ultimately deemed the fence compatible with existing precedents. Motion to approve carried (5-0).
- COA26-0022 (713 SE 2nd St) – Installation of an in-ground swimming pool with deck in the rear yard. The applicant, Donna Cress, spoke in favor, noting neighbor support and 20 years of stewardship. Motion to approve carried (5-0).
- COA26-0025 (906 E Fort King St) – Addition of two open-air pergola structures (one on ground level, one on upper carport deck). The applicant, Stacey Harris, explained the need for shade. Board found the additions reversible and compatible. Motion to approve carried (5-0).".".". (Second)
- COA26-0026 (723 E Fort King St) – Installation of an 8x14-foot prefabricated shed on an existing slab. The applicant was absent. Board members expressed concern that the shed's design did not match the historic character of the home or the district, citing Section 94-82 of the city code. Motion to deny carried (5-0).
- COA26-0029 (605 SE Sanchez Ave) – Construction of a 20x30-foot brick patio in the side/rear yard. The applicant, Tim Creeley, stated the patio is temporary and uses salvaged brick matching the house. Board found it appropriate. Motion to approve carried (5-0).
Key Outcomes
- COA26-0021: Approved with condition that fence be located on or within the property line.
- COA26-0022: Approved.
- COA26-0025: Approved.
- COA26-0026: Denied (failed to meet Section 94-82 compatibility standards).
- COA26-0029: Approved.
- Staff Report: Five administrative COAs were approved between April and June for re-roofing and balcony repair, consistent with like-for-like replacements.
- New Board Member: Rita Masters was appointed by City Council and will join at the next meeting.
- Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 2, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
I'm an undertaker. I gotta be nice. Both now and in the future. In a hundred years. Well, is um he said he was coming, but I don't we have a quorum though. We have a quorum. Okay. All right. She called to make sure I was around. Yes, sir. All right. Well, we'll start the meeting. Um can we have a roll call? Ms. Kozan? Yeah. Miss Smith. Here. Miss Barbara? Here. Mr. Hughley? Here. Mr. Damante is absent. Mr. McCullough? Here. We have a quorum. All right. Thank you. Was the meeting published? The public notice for the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board was posted on May 20th, 2026. All right, thank you. And um has everyone had a moment to review the minutes from last month's meeting? Yes. Past two months. Yeah. Past two months. All right. And in the first COA. Carolyn Roberts spoke. And in the minutes who says Carol Roberts. I think she'd like that change. Yes, ma'am. Carolyn. Okay. Good point. Anyone else? I make a motion to accept the both the April 2nd and May 14th minutes as published.
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