Putnam County Zoning Board reverses administrative denial, allows 2-foot fence height increase for Palatka homeowner

The Putnam County Zoning Board of Adjustment on a unanimous vote on an appeal granted a Palatka homeowner a 2-foot increase in fence height, reversing an Administrative Deviation Committee denial.

The decision on appeal AA24-000002, made during the board's public hearing, allows Roy Williams of 331 West River Road to raise a portion of his side-yard fence from 6 feet to 8 feet along about 50 feet of his property line. The board voted 5-0 to reverse the ADC denial and authorized the chair to sign the final order.

The variance request arose after the Administrative Deviation Committee denied the increase at its Nov. 19, 2024 meeting. Michael Graves, Planning and Development Services staff, told the board the property is roughly 1.29 acres, zoned Residential Estate, and largely in FEMA Zone X with a small portion in AE at the water's edge. Graves summarized the ADC finding that the committee did not see a continuous hardship, noting there was “no indication, the issue is a regular or continuous issue,” and that the applicant had been absent from the ADC hearing to explain his request.

Applicant Roy Williams told the board he was unable to attend the original ADC meeting because he was meeting with a building official. Williams described the parcel and his privacy concerns: the house sits about 3 feet from the east property line and the top of a bedroom window is about 9 feet above adjacent grade, which he said means a 6-foot fence does not block sightlines into his bedroom. "I put up a beam or a post at 8 feet and that did the trick," Williams said, adding he sought roughly 50 feet of 8-foot fence on the side property line and that his neighbor did not oppose the request.

Staff recommended approval of the appeal despite the ADC denial, noting the property's preexisting configuration and the narrow gap between homes. Graves said staff recognized both stances and that the applicant had been working with staff in good faith to comply with the Putnam County Land Development Code.

During board discussion members asked procedural questions about how to phrase the motion to reverse the ADC decision and confirmed that prior to establishment of the ADC, similar 8-foot fences had on occasion been approved administratively. One board member summarized the ADC's concern: committee members were reluctant to permit an increase that might encourage widespread proliferation of 8-foot fences.

After clarifying the motion language with legal counsel, the board moved to "grant appeal AA24-000002 as provided under section 45-10-791 of the Land Development Code, reversing the order of the Administrative Deviation Committee which denied the applicant a 2-foot fence increase," and the motion carried 5-0. The chair informed Williams there is a 30-day appeal period.

Votes at a glance - AA24-000002 (Roy Williams, 331 West River Road): Motion to grant appeal and reverse Administrative Deviation Committee denial to allow a 2-foot increase (6 ft → 8 ft) on approximately 50 feet of side-yard fence — Passed, 5-0. - Approval of minutes (Dec. 18, 2024): Passed, 5-0. - Election of officers (chair and vice chair): Current chair identified as Linda remained chair; Ron remained vice chair — approved by voice vote during new business (recorded as aye votes).

The board did not direct additional staff reports or studies on the variance; the order reversing the ADC denial will be signed by the chair and is subject to the county's 30-day appeal window.