Commission approves 30-foot privacy fence at Huntington Place to block shortcut through backyard

The Norwich Historic District Commission on Sept. 17 approved COA 5937 for a 30-foot wood privacy fence between garages at Huntington Place. The applicant said the short fence will prevent people from cutting through the rear yard between Huntington Place and an adjacent apartment building.

Applicant Andrew presented photographs and a rough sketch showing a 30-foot run of wooden fencing situated between his garage and his neighbor's garage. He said a temporary orange plastic fence had been used but was deteriorating and the permanent wood fence would be an improvement for safety and appearance. “Temporarily, I put up an orange plastic 4 foot high fence, but the overgrowth is tugging it down right now,” Andrew said.

Commission members reviewed the photos and discussed materials; the applicant indicated he planned a wooden fence consistent with neighborhood character and that it may be fastened to his garage. A motion to approve the application as submitted passed by roll call with no recorded opposition.

The commission noted that the property is a flipped property and that the applicant had obtained previous approvals from staff in prior years for other work; the current approval covers the 30-foot fence as shown in submitted photographs and the sketch.

The commission directed staff to notify the applicant in writing and to file the decision with the building department.