Page 91 - Waxahachie, TX Residential Design Guidelines

TreaTmenT of His Toric resources

f e n c e s , W a l l s a n d g a t e s

Fences and low walls are character-defining features of
some properties in Waxahachie’s residential historic districts.
Traditionally, fences were relatively low in height and had a
“transparent” character that allowed views into yards, providing
interest to pedestrians. Some historic fences are located on
top of a short retaining wall, while others still incorporate a gate
leading into the property. A historic fence, wall or gate should be
Preserve historic fences, gates and
maintained. A new fence, wall or gate should be designed to be
walls.
compatible with the architectural style of the primary building, and
similar site elements on other properties in the district. Note that
using no fence or enclosure in the front yard is often the most
appropriate approach.

4.46 Preserve historic fences, gates and walls.
a. Replace only the portions of a historic fence, gate or
retaining wall that are beyond repair.
b. Match replacement material to the original color, texture,
size and finish.
c. Maintain any distinctive details and protective finishes. Maintain any distinctive details and
d. Repoint site and retaining walls, if necessary, using a protective finishes.
mortar mix similar to that used historically and apply it in a
joint design to match the original.
e. Avoid damaging or removing historic materials.
f. Avoid painting a historic site wall or covering it with a
cementitious coating.
g. Avoid increasing the height of an existing wall to create a
privacy screen.

4.47 Design a new fence to be compatible with the historic Design a new fence to be
character of the property and its context. compatible with the historic
a. Incorporate a fence that defines the property line and is character of the property and its
low to the ground and “transparent” in nature. context.
b. Choose a fence that is simple in its design and that is
compatible with the historic context. The design should be
based upon historic prototypes when possible.

4.48 Design a new site wall to be compatible with the
architectural style of the historic structure and any
historic walls in the district.
a. When building a solid wall, use a finish and material that
is similar in texture, mass and durability to historic walls in
the district.

Waxahac hie Residential design guidelines 83