PETERSBURG -- The city council decided to defer a decision on whether or not a homeowner can install vinyl siding on a house within one of the city's historic districts.

The homeowner, Thomas Hennessey, had begun installing siding on his house when a stop order was issued April 3. The case was heard by the Architectural Review Board in May. Hennessey appealed its denial decision June 10.

"The Architectural Review Board told me that they would approve the vinyl siding, but they really can't," Hennessey told the city council Tuesday night. He said the modern material provides insulation and is low-maintenance.

City Preservation Planner Victoria Hauser told the council in the case report that Hennessey was installing the vinyl siding over existing wood siding, a more historically appropriate material. She also said that under such conditions moisture can be trapped behind the vinyl siding and do further damage to the home.

Hauser also said that the home has historic integrity and is a good example of a two-story Italianate dwelling. She also said the home is a contributing structure to the Poplar Lawn Historic District, which was expanded to include the home in 2006.

Hennessey said he wasn't made aware of the fact that the home is in a historic district when he purchased it in August.

"The Realtor actually told me it wasn't in a historic district so I would be able to do modern repairs to the home," Hennessey said.

He said he was looking at the home as an investment and was planning to save the home so that he could renovate and rent it, preferably to soldiers.

"I'm really hoping to get some people in there soon," Hennessey said.

Councilman Kenneth Pritchett made a motion for council to defer a decision on the matter until the July 15 council meeting so members can look at the neighborhood.