Proposal to allow 4-foot open fences in corner side yards fails for lack of second

Village staff recommended a zoning-code update that would permit open fences up to 4 feet in corner side yards, subject to review and approval by the zoning administrator. Trustees discussed materials, sight-visibility triangles and neighborhood character, but a motion to direct staff died for lack of a second.

The issue affects homeowners on corner lots who have sought variances to install fencing in the corner side yard.

Curtis, Community Development staff, explained that research of other communities and the village's historical variance decisions led staff to propose standards: fences would be open (able to see through), limited to 4 feet in height, cannot encroach into sight-visibility triangles, should be consistent with neighboring fencing and would be administratively approved by the zoning administrator rather than routinely requiring a board variance. He said the code currently treats corner-side fences as a front-yard condition and that setting a clear standard would reduce variance applications.

Trustees questioned allowable materials (Curtis said chain-link and open metal pickets are examples of open fences) and the choice of a 4-foot maximum. Curtis said historically the village's approved variances on corner side yards have tended to be shorter and that the intent is to avoid the privacy-wall effect along street fronts. There was concern about losing board review of individual cases: one trustee said they preferred having fence variance cases come before the board so they could "discuss and understand and listen to the recommendation of planning and staff." Another trustee indicated support for delegating authority to staff to reduce costs and time for residents.

A motion to direct staff to prepare a zoning-code update was made but received no second and therefore failed. No ordinance or rule change was adopted; the code remains unchanged and property owners seeking relief will continue to pursue variances.