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Plan commission allows 4-foot open fence at 730 Mill Street, rejects 6-foot solid fence
Summary
The Delafield Plan Commission on Sept. 24 denied a proposed 6-foot solid privacy fence at 730 Mill Street but approved a 4-foot open-style fence, requiring a professional survey and field staking before a building permit.
At its Sept. 24 meeting, the City of Delafield Plan Commission rejected a proposed 6-foot solid privacy fence at 730 Mill Street and instead approved a 4-foot open-style fence, conditioned on a professional survey and staking of the fence line before issuance of a building permit. The applicants, Matt and Christina Pavlicek, sought the taller solid fence to create privacy for children and pets and to screen neighboring yards and commercial uses.
The commission’s decision followed staff review and public discussion about the block’s small lot sizes, existing fence patterns and the city’s intent to maintain visual openness in residential neighborhoods. City planner Amy Barrows told the commission the proposed 6-foot solid fence would exceed the 4-foot height allowed in the setback and would be sited three feet from the lot line, requiring plan commission approval.
Christina Pavlicek told the commission they had commissioned a recent survey after buying the house in June and said the proposed fence was intended to allow them to "enjoy our property" without asking long-time neighbors to move existing fencing or stored items. Commissioners and staff pressed the applicants to consider alternatives such as an open fence, landscape screening, or relocation to minimize visual impact and maintain sightlines on the small lots.
After an initial motion to deny the 6-foot solid fence, commissioners amended the action and approved a 4-foot open-style fence with one explicit condition: a professional survey showing and staking the fence location must be completed and verified in the field before a building permit is issued. The commission noted that open, 4-foot fences generally comply with code and meet safety goals for children and pets, while taller solid fences can create a wall-like appearance the zoning is intended to avoid.
The applicants were advised by staff that Amy Barrows would clarify survey requirements and that the applicants may pursue other design or landscape approaches if the shaded conditions near an old oak tree limit rapid plant growth.
