Commission approves metal fence at 6470 Ellenwood after applicant drops wood proposal

The Planning Commission and Architecture Review Board on Sept. 2 approved a staff recommendation that the replacement fence at 6470 Ellenwood be constructed of metal rather than wood, after the property owner agreed to change materials. The decision follows a staff report that described the property as a corner lot in the Skinker Heights subdivision with existing front-yard setbacks on Ellenwood and University Lane and an existing metal fence in the secondary front yard that had been set back about 15 to 20 feet.

The recommendation mattered because the applicant had proposed a new 6-foot wood fence located about 2 feet from the property line to replace a fence damaged in the May 2025 tornado. Staff said a wood fence at the property line would depart from the prevailing frontage character in Skinker Heights, where fences tend to be shorter, ornamental and metal; staff offered two conditions: construct the fence of metal (chain link not permitted) or set back a wood fence at least 15 feet from the west property line.

Staff member Ryan (planning staff) explained the options and the rationale, noting that metal fencing closer to the property line fits the neighborhood character in adjacent blocks. Applicant Dan Wall said he was willing to change materials: “I can see where it makes sense. So I’d be willing to go to a metal fence that doesn’t necessarily have to be 6 feet,” and later confirmed he intended the fence to be up along the sidewalk with only “a couple inches back.” Ryan reiterated that chain link would not be approved.

Commissioner Bob Denlow moved to approve the staff recommendation incorporating the metal-fence condition; Commissioner Susan Buse seconded the motion. The board voted in favor; the chair announced the motion approved. Commissioners Jim Arsenault and David Gibson said they had no objections, and other commissioners voiced support for allowing a metal fence adjacent to the sidewalk. Concerns discussed included setback and whether vegetation would be altered; Wall answered that vegetation would largely remain and that only taller bushes removed by the storm had been affected.

The approval removes staff’s second option (a 15-foot setback for wood fencing) because the applicant accepted the metal-fence condition. The file notes that chain-link fencing is explicitly not permitted under the approved condition, and that the final fence height may be reduced from the originally proposed 6 feet (the applicant mentioned it could be 4 feet). No additional permits, variances, or amendments were recorded at the meeting.