Board of Adjustments recommends 6-foot front-yard fence for South Main property with conditions

Lake Placid — The Lake Placid Board of Adjustments on March 3 recommended that town council approve a variance allowing a 6-foot fence along the front property line of the parcel at 601 South Main Avenue, subject to conditions intended to limit future commercial open‑storage uses and to ensure code compliance if residential construction occurs.

The matter, identified in the hearing as LPBOA 205001, began as a quasi-judicial item. Dana Riddell, contract planner for the town, told the board that the town code permits only a 4-foot fence in the required front yard and that the request for a 6-foot front-yard fence represents a 50% deviation that the board could recommend but not grant final approval on; the final action will be taken by town council.

Robert Summers, the applicant, described his intent to secure the property rather than to change the use. “It’s a PVC fence. It’s exactly the same as what’s behind there now,” Summers said when asked about materials. He told the board he did not plan to use the site for open storage and that the fencing was intended to deter trespass.

Riddell outlined staff’s position and findings under the town’s variance criteria and said staff was recommending denial based on the literal code provisions. Board members noted that a solid 6-foot board-type fence already exists on the lot behind the subject parcel and that the proposed fence would not materially impair light, air or property values for adjacent parcels.

After discussion the board moved to recommend approval to town council, attaching three conditions: no open storage on the property; the variance’s allowance for a 6-foot front-yard fence will cease if and when a residence is constructed on the parcel (the fence must come into compliance with the fence code at the time of new construction); and that the proposed fence location will proceed as drawn to the corner of the building (the visual alignment shown in submitted plans).

The board voted in favor of the recommendation; the chair called the motion carried and confirmed the item will proceed to town council for final action. The Board of Adjustments hearing record shows no written letters for or against the request had been received by staff prior to the meeting.

The town planner noted the recommendation is limited to the fence height and conditions; other uses (including any open storage) would still need to comply with zoning and code. Council will consider the board’s recommendation at an upcoming meeting and will make the final determination.