Commission approves 5-foot privacy fence at corner lot on West Richland Avenue

The Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance on Jan. 9 permitting a 5-foot privacy fence in the corner side yard at 1520 West Richland Avenue.

City staff explained that corner side yards are treated like front yards under the Unified Development Ordinance, which normally allows only 4-foot ornamental fences in those locations. Staff told commissioners this particular fence line sits far enough from the intersection — roughly 50 feet — so it would not obstruct driver sight lines, and therefore does not conflict with visibility requirements.

Applicant Anita Rista described repeated incidents on and near the property, saying residents have experienced vehicle break‑ins, trespassing and at least one reported shooting near the lot. “We had our car stolen from the property…They found a shotgun under our pine tree,” Rista told the commission, adding that the family has a 10‑year‑old who plays outside and that the fence is sought primarily for security and child safety.

Neighbor Helen Ross, who lives at 1512 Richland, spoke in support and recounted thefts, a bullet striking a nearby house and regular trespassing in the area: “It’s terrible over there,” Ross said, urging the commission to approve the measure. Staff also noted the applicant had received a code‑compliance violation for building without a permit; the variance petition accompanies the permitting process.

Motion and outcome: The commission voted, by recorded roll call, to adopt the findings of fact and approve the variances as set forth in zoning calendar 2771. The roll call showed unanimous support. Commissioners discussed proximity to the intersection and confirmed no sight‑line conflict was expected.

The variance grants an exception to the UDO fence height/type standards at this corner lot; it does not alter other code compliance requirements that remain under review.