Board grants two encroachment permissions for privacy fence and dumpster enclosures

The Columbia City Board of Works and Safety voted unanimously March 25 to grant two encroachment requests: permission to place a privacy fence into a utility easement at 615 North Opportunity Drive and an encroachment agreement for a permanent dumpster enclosure at 201 East Elsworth.

Sean Ellis, who identified himself as the property representative for 615 North Opportunity Drive, asked to install a privacy fence to reach the property line and acknowledged the fence would encroach into a utility easement. "We understand that there may be times that... that might have to be tore up, and that would be our expense if that happens," Ellis told the board. Staff confirmed there is a manhole near the proposed fence line and that utility locates had been completed. The board noted the standard condition that the city will notify the owner if work is required and that removal and replacement would be at the owner’s expense if a utility needs to access the easement.

Eli Schultz requested an encroachment for a permanent dumpster enclosure at 201 East Elsworth. Schultz told the board the enclosure would serve the apartments behind the property and described plans for a c-shaped visual enclosure; staff said the applicant must coordinate details with Planning and Building on exact materials and enclosure design. City staff checked for utilities and said no conflicts were identified for the dumpster location.

Both encroachment requests were approved on motions from the dais, seconded and recorded as unanimous of those present. The board reiterated the typical encroachment conditions: the city will attempt prior notice before any utility work that requires removal, but in an emergency the city may remove the encroachment and the property owner must restore it at their expense.