San Angelo council approves fence exception for public and private school campuses, excludes homeschools

The San Angelo City Council on July 1 approved the second reading of an ordinance amending city fence rules to permit public and private school campuses to install fences in the front-yard setback; the ordinance excludes homeschools from the by-right exception, council voted 5-0.

Aaron Venoy, a city staff presenter, told council that under Texas law homeschools are considered private schools. Because of that classification, staff added an exclusion to the proposed ordinance to prevent residential homeschool properties from claiming the campus exception. “Since homeschools are considered private schools, we don't think it's appropriate for a residential property to have the ability to have an 8 foot fence by right,” Venoy said. He added that residential homeschools could still pursue variances or other special permits where appropriate.

Council members responded positively to the clarification. Council member Patrick said the change avoids abuse while preserving safety for campus settings, and another council member added that the amendment balances security needs with limits on residential rights.

The ordinance amends Chapter 12, Exhibit A, Article 5, Section 509 of the City Code of Ordinances to provide the exception for bona fide school campuses and to exclude residential homeschools from the automatic by-right allowance. Council member Patrick made the motion; Council member Tommy Hebert seconded, and the motion passed 5-0 on the second reading.

The ordinance takes effect according to the city code’s effective-date provisions and allows school administrators and property owners with campus facilities to install higher fencing in front-yard setbacks while preserving variance and special-use processes for residential properties that may assert a homeschooling classification.