Changes to guidelines regarding fences and walls in Washington’s historic district may be coming.

During its meeting Monday, the Washington City Council is scheduled to consider amending the historic district guidelines to incorporate changes recommended by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. A public hearing on the matter is set for 6 p.m.

Those proposed changes were discussed by the commission several times this year, most recently earlier this month.

Six years ago, a fence committee was formed to strengthen regulations concerning fences and walls, and examples of fences adhering to those regulations were provided in the guidelines, according to Dee Congleton, a long-time historic preservationist in the city.

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.

Some speakers at meetings where the proposed changes were discussed expressed concerns that the proposed changes would be too restrictive and result in “unintended consequences.” Others said privacy fences could be appropriate in some instances.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “Government” then “City Council” heading, then click “Meeting Agendas” on the menu to the right. Then click on the date for the appropriate agenda.