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Zoning board allows fence expansion, including limited 6-foot section within subdivision setback at 841 Thackery Drive
Summary
The Zoning Board approved Aug. 21 a request to extend an existing fence and permit a 6-foot segment within a 40-foot subdivision setback at 841 Thackery Drive; applicants said the change will improve safety and privacy and tuck the fence behind existing arborvitae.
The Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 21 granted a variance that permits an expansion of an existing fence line and allows a short 6-foot fence segment within a 40-foot subdivision setback at 841 Thackery Drive. The approval also includes relief to exceed the usual 4-foot height limit in the front-yard-adjacent area for a limited segment.
Staff described the property as a corner lot with multiple frontages; the applicant seeks relief from the 40-foot subdivision setback and the 4-foot front-yard fence height limit so the owners can replace a deteriorating fence, close an opening that allows a dog to exit the yard and reduce headlight intrusion from the adjacent roadway. Staff noted a previous approval in 1978 that authorized part of the existing fence and that the current request is to extend and slightly re-align the line, largely behind established arborvitae plantings.
“While replacing the entire fence, we wanted to enclose the backyard for both privacy and safety for our dog,” said Daniel Jacobs, who testified that he and his wife moved into the family home and are seeking to close the gap in the existing fence. Jacobs said the current boards are failing and that the extension will be mostly tucked behind arborvitae and therefore less visible from the street.
Patrick (staff) explained that because this corner lot has multiple public frontages the code treats those edges as front yard and enforces the subdivision setback and a 4-foot fence height in those locations. The requested change would create a short 6-foot section adjacent to the right-of-way and a short 4-foot return to the garage.
Board members said the request was modest, that there was a long-standing fence presence on the property, and that the proposal would primarily improve safety for pets and future children. No members of the public registered opposition. The board voted to approve the relief under both Chapter 150 (subdivision setback) and Chapter 173 (fence standards); roll-call recorded unanimous approval from members present.
The approval applies to the fence configuration and heights described in the application (VAR20250054); board members noted the applicant will replace failing boards and that most of the new line will be set behind existing landscaping.
