Board approves 10-foot high-security fence for youth facility at 1850 S. De Leon Ave.

The Titusville Board of Adjustment and Appeals approved a variance allowing a 10-foot high-security fence at 1850 South De Leon Avenue, a residential program serving youth, with the condition that the taller fence be limited to areas shown on the submitted concept plan.

Staff recommended denial of a 10-foot fence, noting the city’s high-security fence standard is 8 feet and the site is surrounded by residential subdivisions. Staff said the site’s operational needs had previously yielded an administrative waiver allowing up to an 8-foot high-security fence, and staff found no special lot condition requiring a taller fence. The board nevertheless approved the 10-foot fence in the areas identified on the concept plan.

Trevor Mathis, who identified himself as representing the facility at 1850 South De Leon, said the program serves about 30 males ages 12–17 and that, over time, some residents have eloped from the site, often overnight. He told the board the fence is "for their safety, the community safety," and to reduce repeated notifications to Titusville police when youths leave and return. Greg Primo, who identified himself as working for the operator, said an 8-foot non-climb chain-link fence at another site had been surmounted and that the operator is installing a 10-foot no-climb fence at other campuses.

Fence contractor Jacob Nesio described structural differences that make a 10-foot fence stiffer and harder to climb. The board recorded a 4–1 roll call: Chairman Taylor, Vice Chairwoman Van Diven, Member Beckles and Member Willis voted yes; Alternate Member Wright voted no. The motion limits the 10-foot height to the areas indicated on the concept plan in the agenda packet.