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Planning Commission approves 5‑foot PVC fence variance at 3693 Heinz Street
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance to allow a 5‑foot PVC fence to extend 16 feet off the southeast corner of 3693 Heinz Street in Preston Trails (Airport Crossing PUD). The applicant said the extension is to accommodate a gate, level yard space and an elevated garden; some neighbors filed objections about notice and visibility.
The Portage Planning Commission on March 3 approved a variance permitting a 5‑foot white PVC fence to extend 16 feet off the southeast corner of 3693 Heinz Street in the Preston Trails section of the Airport Crossing planned unit development.
Applicant Karen Lewandowski told the commission that her corner lot’s configuration requires a 16‑foot extension (two 8‑foot panels) so a gate would not be “stuck in the middle of the fence,” that the southern portion of her lot is level and suitable for raised garden beds, and that she needs a secure yard for her dog.
Lewandowski said her HOA permits either a 5‑foot PVC fence or a 5‑foot aluminum fence and that she had pursued the PVC option. She described efforts to notify neighbors and said she later re‑sent certified notices after checking property records.
Neighbors submitted a petition and written objections. Commissioners and staff confirmed that the city’s legal notice requirement was met; one written objection said the recipient received notice late, and the applicant explained she had re‑sent certified notices after finding a GIS owner listing discrepancy.
Resident Rod (Rod Hatchet) spoke in support, calling the applicant a responsible homeowner; other neighbors did not appear in force at the public hearing.
Commissioner motion language approved by roll call was to grant the request for a 5‑foot PVC fence at 3693 Heinz Street. Roll call votes recorded yes from all present members; the motion carried.
The approval was taken under the planned development review process (MD‑01‑25) rather than the Board of Zoning Appeals because the subdivision is part of a planned unit development. The applicant was advised to follow HOA and PUD construction standards and to obtain any required building permits.
