DeKalb panel approves 8-foot privacy-fence variance for North First Street home

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, Oct. 20, approved a variance to allow an 8-foot-high vinyl privacy fence to be built along parts of the side and rear yards at 3140 North First Street.

The variance was requested by property owner Sharon Gordon Rogers, who said the taller fence would reduce glare and “lessen the impact of floodlights” shining into her home. Commission staff recommended approval, citing the lot’s size, existing vegetation and the proposed taper to a 3-foot fence near the front of the house to reduce visibility from North First Street. The motion passed by roll call vote; four commissioners voted yes and the motion carried.

Rogers told commissioners the extra two feet of height would help block illumination from floodlights on the neighboring property and make it safer to back from her garage at night. “The 8 feet will help with about 2 thirds of the light shining in my double hung windows on the south side of my house,” she said. She also said she planted ornamental grasses and arborvitae to reduce visual impact along the street.

Planning staff described the requested fence as white vinyl, running along the south lot line and tapering down to the required 3-foot height near the front corner of the house. Staff noted the subject lot is about 1.4 acres and that heavy vegetation on nearby properties will limit public visibility of the taller section. The staff report also said the applicant supplied photographs showing illumination inside the house and that the office received one written public-response form in support from Nicholas and Allison Paxton of 3080 North First Street.

An adjacent property owner, Marcus Kaufman of 3100 North First Street, spoke in favor of the variance. “I . . . state my support for the variance requested,” Kaufman said during the public hearing.

Commissioners asked whether an 8-foot fence would block the light; Rogers replied it would cover about three-quarters of the south-side double-hung windows. On a motion by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner O'Flaherty, the commission voted to approve the variance to the Unified Development Ordinance as described in the staff report dated Oct. 16, 2025. The roll call recorded votes of Yes from O'Flaherty, Wright, McMahon and Chair Maxwell; the motion passed.

The staff report and the approved exhibit show the privacy fence beginning at the rear of the lot along the south property line, running forward and tapering to the required 3-foot height near the house to meet visibility requirements for vehicles exiting the driveway. The petition cited exterior floodlights on the neighboring two-story home as the reason for the requested relief.

In other business, staff said the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be Nov. 3 at the library with two hearings: a privacy-fence request for a corner lot at 428 D. Stressor Road and a setback-variance request in the Wineberry Subdivision for a proposed townhome. Staff also reported the City Council recently approved the final plat for the Yamaca gas station on South Forest Street.