The La Habra Planning Commission on the evening approved a zone variance (ZV25-0002) permitting installation of perimeter fencing and security gates that exceed the city’s 6-foot height limit at an existing industrial business located at 901 and 951 South Leslie Street. The commission voted to adopt the resolution approving the variance by a 4-0 vote; the decision becomes final in 10 working days unless appealed to the City Council.

Staff said the fence and gate work is part of a broader rehabilitation of the two buildings to house General Sealants Inc. Daryl Taylor, contract planner for the City of La Habra, described five gate and fence locations on the site, including sliding and motorized corrugated‑metal gates painted a dark gray to match the building accent color, replacement of a dilapidated chain‑link fence with new galvanized chain link filled with slats, and one gate located on sloped ground that will read as 16 feet from the lower grade but 6 feet above the site’s working grade.

Taylor told commissioners the Fire Department reviewed the gate locations and operations and that emergency access would be preserved, including a Knox box. Because a 10‑inch water line runs adjacent to the proposed fence on city‑owned land, staff recommended two special conditions: that the applicant sign an agreement allowing operation and maintenance of gates on the city parcel and that the applicant grant an easement to preserve access to the water line for maintenance.

No correspondence was received on the item and no members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Staff recommended approval and the commission made the findings identified in the staff report and approved the resolution under a categorical exemption under CEQA noted in the staff report (referenced as Section 15,305, Class 5, Minor Alterations and Land Use Limitations of the CEQA Guidelines).

The motion approving ZV25-0002 was made and seconded during the meeting; the recorded vote was 4 in favor, 0 opposed. The approval is subject to the conditions listed in the resolution, including the maintenance agreement for use of the city parcel and the easement for the 10‑inch water line. The commission noted the fencing plan is intended to complete the site renovation and provide operational security for the business.

The decision will become final in 10 working days unless an appeal is filed to the City Council. For details referenced in the meeting, staff contact on the item was Daryl Taylor, contract planner for the City of La Habra.