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Planning commission approves 6-foot front-yard fence variance along FM 1516
Summary
The commission approved a variance allowing a 6-foot front-yard fence at 6870 FM 1516 where the code limits front-yard fences to 3 feet; staff cited construction and noise impacts from road widening and TxDOT plans for a noise/barrier wall.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on May 19 approved a variance to allow an existing 6-foot front-yard fence at 6870 FM 1516, which the citycode treats as a front yard where fences over 3 feet are ordinarily prohibited.
Sharon Williams, Director of Community Development, said staff recommended approval to legitimize the existing fence and cited the ongoing FM 1516 widening and associated noise as context. "Due to the existing circumstances along that road, we've spent some time out there ... and we know that they have all experienced some impacts due to the widening," Williams said. She added TxDOT plans a barrier wall of approximately 4 to 5 feet as part of the road work.
Staff reported that adjacent property owners did not object to the variance and that code enforcement and public-safety officials had reviewed the request. The applicant (identified in the staff packet as Mr. Pena) was present; staff said the fence was already built and the variance would "legitimize the existing fence."
Commissioners voted to approve the variance. One commissioner recorded an opposed vote, but the motion carried following a roll call.
Next steps: the variance will be formalized in city records and the owner may retain the existing 6-foot front-yard fence; any construction work associated with the road widening will proceed under TxDOT permits and future city review as required.
