ZBA grants variance for six‑foot fence at 3 Jones Ave, board conditions and concerns noted

The Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing the owners of 3 Jones Ave to install a six‑foot vinyl fence within the 25‑foot front yard setback, finding the triangular lot shape created a practical hardship and that immediate neighbors had not objected.

Leslie Amos (identifying herself as the property owner) told the board the lot is about 5,200 square feet, triangular in shape and developed prior to current zoning; she said the family wants a six‑foot fence for safety, to contain a dog and because she is expecting a child.

“Due to the lot angle and the house placement, the fence is going behind our house. So it's not impacting any sight lines,” Amos said, and she provided signatures from immediate neighbors indicating no opposition.

Board members discussed fence color and street presence. One member said many nearby houses already have vinyl fences and another asked that plantings be used where possible to soften the appearance; the applicant said existing arborvitae and a lilac row already provide partial screening and that the fence would connect to a neighbor’s existing fence at the rear.

A motion to approve the variance carried 4‑1. The board noted it would prefer a stained or blended appearance rather than bright white vinyl and recommended landscaping where feasible; these preferences and the single‑lot uniqueness were discussed as part of the public‑interest balancing.

Votes: 4 in favor, 1 opposed. The clerk will prepare the decision and no building permit will be issued until the appeal period runs.