Council grants two fence variances after neighbors and aldermen debate privacy and precedent

The Calumet City Council voted on two separate residential fence variance requests that drew questions about precedent and neighbor relations.

Director Tillman presented the first request: homeowners at 40 Schramm sought permission to install an 8-foot vinyl privacy fence immediately adjacent to an existing commercial chain-link fence owned by a neighboring furniture business. The cityordinance limits residential fences and requires setbacks in certain conditions; the applicants requested three variances: (1) to install a privacy fence on top of a fence owned by the adjacent property (a "fence on a fence" situation), (2) for vinyl or solid privacy material, and (3) for an 8-foot height where residential maximums typically are lower.

Alderman Nelson and other council members said the homeowners sought privacy for young children and that the business owner would not remove or replace the existing fence. Attorney Dominic Lanzito advised the council that variations are considered unique to each property and that this situationthe visibility from a busy parking lot and reported offensive activityarguably created a specific hardship. The council debated whether approving an 8-foot residential fence would create a citywide precedent. The motion passed with five yes votes, one present and one no; Director Tillman and staff will follow up on any conditions such as a modest setback the applicants had suggested.

Alderman Gardner moved the second item for 953 Wentworth, where a corner-lot property owner sought to replace a three-and-a-half-foot chain-link fence with a six-foot chain-link fence. Director Tillman said the owner agreed to a 45-degree angled section coming out of the alley to avoid obstructing sight lines. Gardner said the resident has dogs and needs the taller fence for containment and privacy. The motion to approve the corner-lot chain-link variance passed unanimously (7-0).

Why it matters: the decisions reflect the council balancing neighborhood privacy and safety concerns with zoning rules designed to preserve sight lines and consistent standards. Council members asked staff to confirm whether the commercial neighbor receives any city incentives and requested conditions that would preserve maintenance access and vegetation setbacks.

What happens next: city staff will notify residents of the approvals and provide any conditions and permit instructions; the homeowner at 40 Schramm and the applicant at 953 Wentworth will be advised of any required setbacks and inspection steps.