Board approves replacement of long-standing fence at corner lot on Vina Del Mar

The Board of Adjustment approved a practical-difficulty variance allowing a homeowner to replace a deteriorated 6-foot fence at 2373 West Vina Del Mar at the existing 17.6-foot secondary-front setback, rather than moving it back to the code-required 20-foot setback.

Senior planner Gil Martinez told the board the existing fence has been in place for more than a decade and is a like-for-like replacement; staff found the replacement would not produce an adverse change in neighborhood character and that moving the fence back would significantly reduce usable side-yard area and impair privacy and safety for the property’s in-ground pool.

Homeowner Danielle Miklish said she has owned the house for 13 years and that the fence was present when she moved in. She testified the fence was damaged by storms (Hurricanes Helene and Milton), and she wants an identical replacement for safety (dogs) and privacy reasons. “I just wanna go back exactly what’s been there forever,” Miklish told the board.

No members of the public spoke for or against the application. Board members characterized the request as a straight 1-for-1 replacement and noted staff received no letters in opposition. A motion to approve the case “as proposed” passed unanimously; the approval allows the fence to be rebuilt at the 17.6-foot location, at the same height and style as the existing fence, and requires compliance with applicable building codes and permitting requirements.

The board’s action lets the property owner replace the deteriorated fence before the next storm season, subject to permitting and code enforcement on materials and construction.