Board declines to approve 6‑foot front‑setback fence at 908 Aubrey Lane

The Prescott Board of Adjustments on Feb. 20 declined to approve a variance that would have allowed a 6‑foot fence to encroach into the front yard setback at 908 Aubrey Lane.

Staff explained the Land Development Code limits fence heights to 4 feet within the front setback to preserve sight lines and a sense of openness in front yards. The owners, Alyssa and Ronnie Mineo, told the board they sought the 6‑foot fence to reduce traffic noise from nearby Whipple Street and to provide privacy and security near pedestrian traffic from adjacent rehabilitation homes. Alyssa Mineo said neighbors — including an elderly neighbor next door — had submitted letters supporting the fence; she described recent incidents of people running through yards and argued the higher fence offered safety and privacy benefits.

City staff and board members noted the fence had already been installed and was later trimmed to avoid extending into the right of way; staff said the installation prior to the variance contributed to a self‑induced hardship concern. Staff also pointed out other nearby corner properties meet the code’s 4‑foot standard. A motion to approve the variance failed; the board did not grant the requested 6‑foot front‑setback variance. Board members described options for the applicants, including reducing the fence to 4 feet to meet code, filing for reconsideration under procedural rules, or reapplying after the usual waiting period for the same variance.

Applicants said they may appeal or reapply; the board recorded the item as not approved.