Board grants variance to existing home owner to keep taller rear wall

The Winchester Town Advisory Board granted a variance on May 27 allowing a homeowner at 1682 Golden Arrow Drive to retain an existing wooden retainer atop a concrete wall at her property after the homeowner said the feature predated her purchase and that break‑ins at nearby, unoccupied houses made the wall a safety measure.

The homeowner, Sarah Jen, spoke to the board and said the wall was present when she moved into the house two years ago and that she later received a code complaint indicating the wall lacked a permit. Jen said the property backs up to a church and that many people walk across or near the yard; she said she had experienced break‑ins at the home prior to moving in. Jen asked the board to allow the wall to remain as‑built for safety reasons.

Board members asked procedural questions about the code citation and what evidence should be provided to the county commissioners if the item proceeds. Jen said she would provide documentation (photos or an online listing) showing the wall existed before she purchased the home. Several board members expressed sympathy and concern for safety; a motion to approve with the staff conditions was made and carried.

Transcript excerpts show a motion, several board members saying “Aye,” and the motion passing; staff had earlier indicated a denial recommendation, and the board approved with conditions and a timeframe for the homeowner to provide additional documentation to county review if needed. The homeowner said she is pregnant and expressed relief at the board’s support.

The board did not read a full roll‑call vote in the excerpted transcript, and the county’s formal record will contain the precise motion language and conditions that apply.