LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Board of Architectural Review approved eight Certificate of Appropriateness applications at its July 22 meeting, allowing construction and renovation projects to proceed in six historic districts across the city.

The Board of Architectural Review reviews applications for exterior changes to properties in Lexington's historic districts and issues Certificates of Appropriateness, which are required before work can begin. The board also discussed approximately 37 staff-approved applications during the meeting, which covered routine maintenance and upgrades in multiple districts.

Projects approved by the full board included a fireplace construction at 215 Desha Road in Ashland Park, changes to a rear addition opening at 497 East Main Street in the Bell Court district, and fencing and entrance work at two properties on Old Todds Road in the Cadentown district. The board also approved a garage demolition and reconstruction at 166 Wabash Drive in the Pensacola Historic District, among others.

The board postponed action on a proposal to demolish and rebuild a two-story structure at 371 Linden Walk in the Aylesford Historic District, continuing the matter to August 19 with a 60-day extension.

Community members raised concerns during the meeting about proposed fence construction at 3011 and 3019 Old Todds Road. Brandon Server expressed concerns that a fence project by Link-Belt would restrict access to his backyard and affect property values. Kimberly Robinson opposed the six-foot woven fence design, arguing it would not be in keeping with the historical character of the neighborhood.

The board attached conditions to the Old Todds Road projects, requiring applicants to submit a site plan detailing the location and transition points from six-foot-high fencing to four-foot-high fencing for staff review and approval prior to issuance of the certificate.