Washington’s Historic Preservation Commission, during its meeting Tuesday night, is scheduled to discuss Patricia Lewis’ request to install a 6-foot-high privacy fence in the backyard of her home in the city’s historic district.

Lewis spoke during a Nov. 23 public hearing regarding proposed changes to the fences-and-walls section of the guidelines governing structures in the historic district. The City Council conducted the hearing, deciding to send the proposed changes back to the commission for additional review. The proposed changes regarding fences and walls have elicited support and opposition.

Although several people urged the council to approve the recommended changes, the council voiced concerns with the suggested modifications, including worries they might be too restrictive. Some council members applied the words “over-controlling” and “handicaps” to the proposed changes. They had concerns with the proposed changes requiring fences to be painted a specific color or specific heights.

Don Stroud, president of the Washington Area Historic Foundation, noted the proposed changes do not outlaw privacy fences altogether.

Lewis, who recently bought her house, told the council, “I’m in the process of trying to get a fence. I really do like having privacy fences.” She noted that Wilmington, Edenton and Beaufort allow 6-foot-high privacy fences in rear yards, unless the lot in question is a corner lot.

In recent months, residents and potential homebuyers of properties in the historic district voiced their concerns regarding stronger regulations to help ensure the visual appeal of their properties. In April, John Rodman, director of community and cultural resources for the city, appointed Congleton as the chairwoman of the new fence committee.

The committee explored several options for fences. Committee recommendations include: streetscape fences must be no taller than 4 feet high and of an open design, with at least a 1-inch gap between pickets; privacy fences in back or side yards must be no taller than 5 feet; and several other design/construction guidelines. Among the examples of appropriate fences are brick latticework, wrought iron, stone or rock, shadow box and picket fences.

Also, the commission is scheduled to discuss guidelines concerning masonry materials and use in the historic district

The commission meets at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the commission’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click on the “City agendas” link under the News” heading, then scroll down to the “Historic Preservation Commission” heading and click on the date for the appropriate agenda.