Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Fence Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Russell BZA approves two variances for fence at 129 Lakeview Lane
Summary
The South Russell Village Board of Zoning Appeals approved a one-foot height variance and a style variance allowing a picket fence in the front yard at 129 Lakeview Lane (BZA case 25-07). The applicants said the fence will enclose a small lawn area for a new dog and would be set back from the property line.
South Russell Village’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variances Thursday for a front-yard fence at 129 Lakeview Lane, granting a height variance to allow a 4-foot front-yard fence and a style variance to permit a picket-style fence where the zoning code calls for split-rail design.
The Burgers, the property owners and applicants, said they currently use an invisible fence and have a new puppy and want a fenced lawn area closer to the house. “We have an invisible fence, and we also have a new puppy,” the Burgers said during the hearing. They described the proposed fence as a white picket scalloped design that would be “very closely tucked to the house” and would tie into the garage.
The board considered site layout and neighborhood character in its review. Bridie, a village staff member who administered the oath to witnesses, explained that because the lot is a corner lot the zoning code defines the front yard as the longest width of the lot; under that definition the area the applicants want to enclose is considered front yard, so a variance is required. Bridie also noted that the code requires split-rail fencing in the front, which is why the applicants requested a style variance.
Board members asked about the proposed fence placement and setbacks. The applicants said the fence line would run along an existing visible fence line as flagged on the property, and they plan to keep the fence at least about three feet off the property line. The applicants said they discussed the plan with an adjacent neighbor who lives behind them and that the neighbor had not raised concerns.
At the meeting Chair (Board of Zoning Appeals) made separate motions: one to approve a height variance of one foot to permit a front-yard fence up to 4 feet tall, and a second motion to approve a style variance to allow a non–split-rail picket fence. Both motions passed on roll-call votes with all members present voting yes.
Votes at a glance: BZA case 25-07 (129 Lakeview Lane) - Height variance: Motion to permit a front-yard fence no greater than 4 feet in height — approved (unanimous roll-call vote). - Style variance: Motion to permit a non–split-rail picket style instead of the split-rail required by code — approved (unanimous roll-call vote).
The board did not attach conditions beyond the approvals recorded during the meeting. The applicants said the fence would be installed to provide a secure area for their dog and to create a more defined front yard area. The hearing record shows the board focused on code interpretation for corner lots, fence placement relative to property lines, and neighborhood character.
