Zoning board approves 6-foot cedar fence for Congregation Berith Shalom courtyard

A local zoning board on an unidentified date approved a variance to allow a 6-foot tongue-and-groove cedar fence along the courtyard at Congregation Berith Shalom, the synagogue’s representative told the board during the meeting. The applicant sought relief because the property’s corner-lot rules allow lower fences on the two street frontages and the existing zoning would not permit a six-foot fence. Board members discussed sight lines for drivers, emergency egress and the historic character of the property before approving the request. The synagogue’s representative, Beth Hyde, said the courtyard is currently enclosed by a five-foot chain-link fence that “does not provide security or privacy,” and that the proposed cedar fence would provide privacy and a more secure barrier for the congregation. Hyde said the synagogue is 160 years old and that the courtyard sits on the corner of Third and Division streets. Board members asked whether the proposed fence would interfere with traffic sight lines at the corner and whether the city’s fire and police departments had reviewed any security report Hyde referenced. A board member noted a local provision—identified in the meeting as “2 85 42 d”—that limits corner-lot fence height and requires consideration of sidelines and visibility. Hyde said the proposed fence would include a push-out, handicapped-accessible exit gate that can be used from the courtyard side but not opened from the street. A board member moved to approve the variance and amended the motion to include the rationale that the fence “does not seem to interfere with any line of vision for driving or an impediment to traffic hazards” and that it “will not be a detriment to the character of the existing neighborhood.” The amendment was seconded and the board approved the request. Board members also found the application to be a “type 2” action as supported by staff reports, meaning no further environmental determination was required under the board’s procedural standard, as stated in the meeting. The board’s approval allows the synagogue to replace the chain-link fence with a six-foot cedar fence, subject to any building or historic-district permit requirements not decided at this meeting.