Historic Guidelines - City of Melbourne, Florida

NEW CONSTRUCTION
Landscape and Site Elements
The urban pattern is shaped not only by the built environment but also by ancillary features or
site elements, such as landscaping, driveways, lighting, and fences. It is important to maintain existing
significant trees and landscaping in the district, and to make sure that the ancillary features do not have
a negative effect on the existing historic fabric.
PAVEMENT, DRIVEWAYS, AND CURBS
1) Concrete is the predominant material used for sidewalks, driveways and walkways in the District.
New construction should continue this trend.
2) The area in front of the house should not be paved to eliminate lawn maintenance. This includes
using materials such as turf-blocks, gravel and mulch when the intent is a total substitute for lawns.
3) In order to minimize the amount of concrete used in the district, ribbon driveways and interlocking
pavers are encouraged.
4) No circular driveways should be allowed in the district.
PARKING
1) Because of the negative visual impact that vehicles may have on the historic fabric, every attempt
should be made to hide parking from the view of pedestrians.
2) Landscaping and fencing, in addition to building location/orientation, can assist on screening parking
from public view.
3) Parking should be limited in front of buildings.
4) The pavement area within the front yards should not be increased to accommodate parking.
FENCES AND GARDEN WALLS
1) The overall design of walls and fences should present a quality image consistent with the historic
characteristics of the surrounding area.
2) Vinyl fences should be avoided within the historic district, as they are not consistent with any of the
architectural styles present in the district.
3) Where new fences are introduced, the materials should be compatible with the style, texture, or
exterior materials of the buildings on the site. No unpainted or unstained fences are allowed.
4) Fences should consist of vertical pickets in simple designs, especially on lots with Bungalows and
Frame Vernacular buildings. Cast iron fencing is allowed but should be limited to high styled
buildings such as Neo-Classical.
5) Privacy walls in the backyard may be of brick or stucco only if they match the materials present on
the principal building. Brick or stucco fences should be no less than eight (8) inches wide and capped
by a flat, round or pitched top, overlapping the wall below by no less than one fourth of an inch (¼”).
6) Wood fences should be made with no more than three (3) inch gaps between pickets.
7) All walls and fences should have their finished side facing outward toward the public row.
DRAFT
39