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Commission approves 6‑foot privacy fence variance for 626 Spring Avenue
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 approved a variance to allow a 6‑foot privacy fence in part of the front yard at 626 Spring Ave., citing lot‑width constraints and safety/privacy concerns from the homeowner.
The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 approved a variance to allow a 6‑foot privacy fence in a portion of the front yard at 626 Spring Avenue.
Michelle Eckfritz, the property owner, told the panel she seeks the fence because the corner lot is narrow and drivers frequently slow to observe activity at her house. “The main reason is, you know, privacy and safety, not just for me and my dog, but for the community as well,” Eckfritz said, describing repeated incidents of people stopping to take pictures and a past encounter involving a child near her dog.
City staff reported the lot is narrower than surrounding parcels on South Seventh Street and that the proposed fence would extend roughly 14 feet into the yard from the driveway, leaving about 11 feet to the sidewalk; staff said the location would not intrude on the sight‑distance triangle for the intersection. Staff also noted the fence would connect to an existing chain‑link along one side and that the property meets inspection and construction requirements, including minimum post‑hole depths and city inspection of work.
Staff said the city received three written responses: support from Katie Poole (630 Karen) and from the owner/operator of a commercial building at 1292 S. Seventh St., and a non‑objection from neighbor James Duck (1307 S. Seventh St.) who asked about proper construction. Staff told the commission the homeowner may construct the fence herself or hire a contractor, but code and inspection standards apply either way.
Commissioner O'Flaherty moved to approve the variance to Articles noted in the staff report of the Unified Development Ordinance to allow the 6‑foot high privacy fence as shown in exhibit A; Commissioner Right seconded. Roll call in the transcript shows the motion carried.
Eckfritz said she will install the fence with volunteer help and that the fence placement will not block the stop sign or required sight lines at the corner. The commission’s approval authorizes the variance described in the staff report; permit issuance and inspections remain conditions of lawful construction.
