Zoning board allows chain‑link fence with slats to screen compost site at 7450 Terminal Drive

The Lorain Zoning Board of Appeals on May 7 approved a variance that allows a chain‑link fence with slats to screen a compost facility at 7450 Terminal Drive, concluding the material is a reasonable screening solution in the industrial setting.

Applicant representatives told the board the proposed fence would use slats rated to achieve at least 90 percent visibility obstruction and that chain‑link with slats is more resilient against wind damage than vinyl screening. Jim Cohen (1416 Mill Avenue, Lakewood) and a representative from 6 Mill Architecture (recorded as Grama Post, 1101 Auburn Ave) described the fence as part of the site development plan and said it would reduce visibility into composting operations.

Planning staff read the relevant code language to the board: Section 11‑43.08(b) (Construction Debris, Junk, Solid Waste Disposal, and Salvage Yards) states the screening fence shall be of such design as to completely obstruct vision and that shingling fences with or without covering are not permitted. Staff noted the site is in an industrial district (I‑2) and is located roughly a mile from residential areas, characterizing the location as separated from housing. A board member cautioned about precedent—asking whether allowing a chain‑link option here could encourage similar requests in more residentially proximate sites—but other members pointed out that chain‑link fences are commonly used on nearby Bamhart Road businesses and that the site’s industrial character and distance from residences supported approval.

After discussion, a motion to approve the variance was made and seconded; the board voted to grant the request. Staff noted that approvals of screening materials should be considered in the context of specific site conditions and that the decision was tied to the industrial zoning and the parcel’s distance from residential areas.