Planning commission approves privacy fence at 606 College Street with white picket front

The City of Montgomery Planning and Zoning Commission on March 4 approved a request to install a wooden privacy fence along the west property line of 606 College Street, with one condition: the front portion from the front porch toward College Street must be a white solid picket fence and align with the adjacent existing picket fence.

Planning staff presented photographs and findings, saying the proposed fence is a wooden, dog‑eared cedar style that meets height and location guidelines for a privacy fence in the residential zoning district, but does not meet the city’s design guidelines. Staff recommended approval provided the entire fence is installed within the applicant’s property line and any design modifications be resubmitted for review.

Commission discussion covered how the fence will reduce brush and encroachment from the existing chain‑link fence on the neighboring undeveloped property; commissioners suggested the white picket treatment at the front porch line to maintain the historic character of the street and to match the adjacent property’s picket fence. Staff advised the applicant that the fence must be fully on her property and that changes to the approved plan would require resubmittal.

A motion to approve the privacy fence as presented with the front portion converted to a white solid picket fence was made and seconded; the chair called for the ayes and the motion passed.

Staff noted the applicant apologized for not attending the meeting and that the approval is conditioned on installation entirely within the applicant’s lot; any further modifications would require returning to the commission.