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Commission approves variance for six‑foot front‑yard privacy fence at East Lincoln Highway home
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance July 7 allowing a six‑foot privacy fence to extend into a portion of the front yard at 1838 East Lincoln Highway, replacing an historic fence and transitioning to a four‑foot open fence where visibility is needed.
The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved a variance to permit a six‑foot privacy fence in part of the front yard at 1838 East Lincoln Highway, at the request of the property owner, Crystal Garvey.
Garvey said the fence had stood for decades around the property she grew up on but had deteriorated; she requested permission to replace it with a six‑foot privacy fence along the west property line, extending the existing historic alignment to match the adjacent building line, then transition to a four‑foot open fence near the sidewalk and driveway to preserve sight lines.
City staff presented a site sketch and photographs showing the former fence location and the proposed 66‑foot segment that would run from the neighboring commercial building line to about 25 feet from the sidewalk, then taper to a four‑foot section. Staff noted that, because the neighboring commercial residence could place a six‑foot fence on its own property line without a variance, the visual outcome would be similar; staff recommended approval after receiving one written comment of support from Michelle Brokop of Mars Inc., which occupies the nearby commercial building.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about visibility and pedestrian access. Staff said the proposal would maintain a four‑foot open section to preserve sight lines for the adjacent driveway, and noted the lot had been annexed into the city in 2011 and later rezoned commercial. Commissioners characterized the request as a reasonable restoration of an historic feature and moved to approve the variance.
Commissioner O’Flaherty moved to approve a variance to allow the six‑foot privacy fence as shown in Exhibit A of the staff report dated July 3, 2025; Commissioner Wright seconded. The motion passed on roll call.
The variance allows Garvey to replace the deteriorated fence consistent with the approved exhibit; construction and any required permits will be processed through the city’s standard permitting procedures.
