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South Padre board approves 8-foot fence variance for 117 East Constellation
Summary
The board approved a variance allowing an 8-foot fence at 117 East Constellation after neighbors and the property owner cited grade differences and privacy concerns; two letters of support were filed.
The South Padre Island board voted to approve a variance allowing an 8-foot fence at 117 East Constellation, Lot 10, Block 143 in the Padre Beach Subdivision. The variance overrides the code’s 7-foot maximum for front/side/rear yard fences described in the city’s special-area regulations.
Board members said the lot’s grade differences and surrounding elevations created a practical hardship. The motion to approve carried after members noted letters of support and testimony from a nearby resident.
Richard Ehrlich, who identified himself as a full-time resident at 118 East Mars Lane, told the board the taller fence “brings in a lot of revenue for the city” but also that the taller fence “helps full time residents like me” by providing privacy and a buffer from noisy short-term renters. Filiberto Alba, the city’s building official, said the property had been remodeled and that neighboring properties sit at higher elevations, which makes the owner’s fence appear lower by comparison when measured to adjoining lots.
Alex Huntress, identified in the meeting as a board staff director, summarized that the code allows a 7-foot fence and that the applicant was requesting one additional foot to reach 8 feet. The applicant, listed on the agenda as Daniel Segovia, said the fence was installed after repeated incidents during construction and to provide privacy for the pool area; he told the board that neighboring properties already have higher fences due to grade differences.
A board member moved to approve the variance, citing the lot’s topography and the letters of support; another member seconded the motion. The chair called for the vote and the motion carried. The meeting record includes two letters in support of the variance.
The approval applies to the specific property at 117 East Constellation; the board did not expand the ruling beyond that lot. The building official said the remodel permit for the house had already reached final inspection.
