The Grundy County Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing Rolf and Laurie Hellen to install an 8-foot privacy fence along the back of their property.

Petitioner David Walter spoke to the board on behalf of the Hellens, saying the family sought the two-foot increase from the 6-foot maximum to reduce debris and preserve their viewshed. "I'm here before you guys to ask for the variance of the 2 feet," Walter said, describing ash and burn-pile debris that had entered the homeowners' in-ground pool under the current height limit.

Planning staff said legal notice was mailed to residents within 500 feet and published in the Morris Daily Herald; staff reported no written or verbal opposition had been received. Staff also reminded the board that, if granted, the variance would be valid for six months.

After public comment and discussion, a board member moved to grant the variance to build an 8-foot fence across the rear boundary. The motion received a second and was approved by voice vote with no opposition recorded in the transcript.

The board did not attach recorded conditions of approval during the meeting transcript; staff previously provided photos of the rear yard and the surrounding viewshed to the board. The variance decision was described by staff as available for three disposition options: approve without conditions, approve with conditions, or deny; the board chose approval without recorded conditions in the meeting minutes.