[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6063346,"mediaKeyId","3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1","parentId",3269534,"title","Hearing on fence variance at Virgilia Drive postponed after board and applicant discuss sight-line options","audioSeconds",2830,"startMs",4382000,"endMs",7212000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1&start=4382&end=7212","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1/thumbnail_4382000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6063346/Troy-City/Oakland-County/Michigan/Hearing-on-fence-variance-at-Virgilia-Drive-postponed-after-board-and-applicant-discuss-sight-line-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063346-540dbe4ddc5a6da08be8cf323ccd219a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610377&Signature=cQeA97fZ90o1gEwj~vhyZSHGyYld7aVvQ-yaNWNvs7RNKo5ANXuURvMiW-OxgkJOYRi2T1SLtN5Mt1guqcI0~JF--BIAkc9fnXE~HN6xNhTLti07l1GGpTdMkNQ0UFiMJyW51l2oGagJcnII0BCBgR7BgR2So99KRe8~bysO7inZJWbbDG9-6Vyh0Gp-XopCf1fJsbzlJ~LJG~6zK6WuIMCIx-TH1NMKHOsQ3bScICoS5Lqz4hv0-ssh2WBVgef7JDzT~kkzBEEFXm4C4KXmKqoWx6MiSTDvEPfUCSTDia7hOdXfB5Vji9JJXXpzVFGGokSkDqr1HUcQRin2WA0WMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Troy Michigan","date","2025-05-07T21:10:33Z","article","The Troy City Building Code Board of Appeals postponed consideration of a variance for a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence at 4368 Virgilia Drive, giving the applicant time to consult neighbors and return with an updated plan that accommodates city vision-triangle requirements and easement conditions.

Applicant Vin Pandey asked the board for a variance for a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence on a corner lot in the R-1-B zoning district. Dominic, building department staff, described the lot as a corner property with a 40-foot front setback requirement and noted that in this subdivision the sidewalk sits inside a 5-foot property easement, so portions of the proposed fence would be placed over city easements and require departmental approvals.

Pandey said his main concerns were privacy and the unkempt appearance of adjacent properties, including one with a parked boat. He told the board the requested vinyl fence would address a privacy and maintenance issue and that he preferred the contractor-recommended product. Board members pointed out the city’s requirement for a 25-foot clear vision triangle at corners to protect sight lines for driveways and sidewalks; that requirement affects how the fence must be shaped or set back at the corner.

After extended discussion about lot width, sidewalk location, existing easements and how a corner cut (vision triangle) would reduce the length of the proposed obscuring fence, board members advised the applicant to consult neighbors and consider options such as moving the fence farther back, installing plantings, or adjusting fence alignment to accommodate the 25-foot sight-triangle. The applicant agreed he would prefer an angled (isosceles) corner cut that gives the maximum usable yard space while meeting city vision requirements.

The board accepted a motion to postpone the hearing to a later meeting so the applicant could gather neighbor correspondence and speak with his contractor and adjacent property owners. The motion to postpone carried unanimously among the four members present. The building department indicated that any fence over an easement requires DPW approval and that a permit would be subject to drainage-easement and infrastructure protections.

Pandey was told he may return with a revised plan or letters of support; if he withdraws and reapplies the application process and fees would apply. The board also suggested an on-site visit before a final decision if the applicant returns with a new submittal.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board postponed action on a requested 6-foot fence variance at 4368 Virgilia Drive to allow the applicant time to consult neighbors and refine the proposal to address a required 25-foot corner vision triangle and utility easements.","taxTitle","Troy City, Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",4529,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6063351,"Board grants 6-foot fence variance at Chancery Drive after applicant cites safety for children and dog",1363,3017000,4380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1&start=3017&end=4380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1/thumbnail_3017000.jpg","/articles/6063351/Troy-City/Oakland-County/Michigan/Board-grants-6-foot-fence-variance-at-Chancery-Drive-after-applicant-cites-safety-for-children-and-dog","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063351-06a5a27d3f23d95bd2300bc543e6f54c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610377&Signature=Bc6hmWDABOoq1FDSh9y2yYA~aGWmJFmvFuR1V3~sLvJps2kxSVGIne9QGKd8oyQSU-Gg9XN3QnAHaYO-2Q-YGMAPDPDlbq4Op7f3sbsdqNBlyyGq5gjK2xV1Xvoj2uD-joLZNmJEnZTaIYndiL8qRGRaIIdslanMRgRLyiXeH8TIvQUPM1jKm4L6bvu5HgPqsO8FDKf7j~a~LW9tdqFUazS5NYNqlbJss42iDmBs2iHJvws2I-HUXafa6MNZi6PUzDKVo7Ve3hYXN4urj2uTjPOb17Bw9lYlp3AeV278pW-b~5UrM7kg4WYHrInRBvHUOLJnhQuM1snk74nMx-78bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy City Building Code Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing a 6-foot wood privacy fence at 2107 Chancery Drive, concluding the applicant’s safety and neighborhood consistency arguments outweighed the ordinance restriction.

The applicant, Zachary Mori, told the board he and his wife recently built the house and want a fully fenced backyard to keep their dog and two young children safe; he also said neighboring properties on Edith already have 6-foot wooden fences that appear to have been grandfathered in.

Dominic, building department staff, told the board the property is in the R-1-D zoning district, which requires a 25-foot front setback and limits front-yard fence height to 30 inches unless the exception for a common rear yard relationship applies (non-obscuring fences up to 48 inches). The applicant’s plan would put a 6-foot privacy fence approximately 7 feet from the Edith property line for a stretch of roughly 121 feet that would otherwise be limited to 30 inches.

Mori said he and his contractor selected wood to match the neighborhood character and that the fence would be constructed on the house side of existing trees to minimize sight-line impacts. He told the board, “We’re just trying to provide a safe place for our family to hang out in our backyard.” He indicated flexibility about exact placement and said neighbors behind the property had discussed possibly replacing or moving their fencing to align.

Board members asked about alternatives including vinyl or a 4-foot non-obscuring fence; Mori said he preferred wood for durability and neighborhood fit. A neighbor who lives on Chancery said he visited the site and did not believe the proposed location would create sight-line problems.

Teresa moved to grant the variance, citing exceptional property characteristics and no indication of harm to the neighborhood; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call with unanimous support from the four members present. Board members instructed the applicant to coordinate permit work with the building department and to flip support posts so the finished side faces the street.","The board approved a variance to permit a 6-foot wood privacy fence at 2107 Chancery Drive after the applicant said the fence was necessary to keep children and a pet safe; the motion passed unanimously.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6063356,"Troy board approves 6-foot privacy fence for canine handler after neighbors and board negotiate setback",2768,228000,2996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1&start=228&end=2996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3269534-7b55dad8ee8b6c12efcd96e1f13eecf1/thumbnail_228000.jpg","/articles/6063356/Troy-City/Oakland-County/Michigan/Troy-board-approves-6-foot-privacy-fence-for-canine-handler-after-neighbors-and-board-negotiate-setback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063356-f3ddf09d2b664ef9fc311bca86802218/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610377&Signature=Tf3c1BQjfi8kEvPsc5k8oQHdhN9-a9eKHtsUQag37nkAEYXgjJtCr4uhsMMGQhOL1Btfk28qZAuR9SIS1nJ~n7IKX~47mMlB6sEDZFG1j1Jen-sgJmkaP8bW3WhmAxBdzETAzPjSAwjBGMy8rXuQhoEOqEsNL4uWJmHUhjEPIPfp~B-PB2nVyD1J6l1cM51pzousSWPSsgRgKT8F7cgH5sDi2yD7eOM3n6aiXFVmUbTnzeNLkcrQBzXSlwLgT6gfJY1GPvANlNq4sPtG9nsQyqDHQHCtOi23vV7J7EoDPdr5jfh4281RUpWqEOCZoezuJcZPJlvZfikt843Xqj8RZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Troy City board of appeals voted to grant a variance allowing a 6-foot wood privacy fence at 5465 Whitehaven Drive, approving the request with conditions after neighbors and board members pressed for adjustments to sight lines and pedestrian clearance.

The board granted the variance after the applicant, Amy Losee, agreed to move the proposed fence 10 feet back from the public sidewalk and to accept a 25-foot clear corner on the west side; the motion passed 3-1. Losee is a Troy police officer and canine handler who told the board the fence is needed to keep her department canine secure and to allow her to use a pedestrian door from the garage directly into a contained yard.

Board members said the corner lot’s irregular geometry and the petitioner’s desire to house a working K-9 at home supported some accommodation, but several members and nearby residents raised concerns about the effect on neighborhood openness and sight lines for drivers and pedestrians. The petitioner revised her proposal in public comment to move the fence farther from the sidewalk after talking with neighbors.

Dominic, a building department staff member who presented the application, explained the property is in the R-1-B zoning district and that corner lots are treated as having two front lot lines; zoning requires a 40-foot front setback and limits fences in front yards to 30 inches above grade. The petitioner requested a 6-foot obscuring fence for roughly 177 feet of frontage along one street; Dominic said most of the requested fence would require a variance.

Amy Losee, the applicant, described the new fence as “6 foot wood designed to blend in with the surrounding area and meet zoning requirements,” and said it was needed primarily for the safety and containment of her canine partner, Zane. Losee told the board she and her family planned landscaping between the fence and the sidewalk and that she had maintained tall privacy plantings in the same location for 13 years.

Neighbors who spoke at the hearing said they value the open character of the Sylvan Glen subdivision and suggested alternatives such as decorative metal fencing or moving the fence farther back and cutting a 45-degree sight triangle. Neighbor Carlos Symancic said he and his wife moved to the subdivision in 1975 because of its openness and that he would support a decorative metal fence or a larger setback.

The board’s discussion focused on three trade-offs: preserving sight lines at the adjacent driveway, allowing the applicant a usable backyard given lot averaging and lot width, and minimizing the visual impact on nearby residents. Several members suggested moving the fence back from the garage wall or creating a diagonal cut at the corner to meet the city’s 25-foot clear vision triangle.

After deliberation, the board moved to grant the variance with the petitioner's offered 10-foot setback from the sidewalk, a required 25-foot corner cut on the west side for line-of-sight, and with fence posts oriented to the inside of the yard (support posts not visible from the street). Kathy then took the roll call vote: Mister Dezerman voted no; Mister Friesen, Mister Abathera, and Miss Brooks voted yes. The motion carried 3-1.

The board’s approval includes maintenance expectations and the requirement that any work within a public easement (sidewalk area) must have necessary department approvals. The petitioner was advised the city retains authority over vision-triangle requirements and that landscaping choices may affect visibility and will be considered in any follow-up permit review.","The Troy Building Code Board of Appeals voted to grant a variance allowing a 6-foot wood privacy fence at 5465 Whitehaven Drive after the applicant agreed to move the fence 10 feet back from the sidewalk and the board required a 25-foot corner cut on the west side and interior-facing posts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hearing on fence variance at Virgilia Drive postponed after board and applicant discuss sight-line options

Board grants 6-foot fence variance at Chancery Drive after applicant cites safety for children and dog

Troy board approves 6-foot privacy fence for canine handler after neighbors and board negotiate setback