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Riverside BZA approves variance and waiver for 6‑foot fence at 4100 Spruce Pine Court
Summary
The Riverside Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance and waiver allowing a 6‑foot solid board fence at 4100 Spruce Pine Court with conditions recommended by city staff; board member Elias Smith recused himself because he is the applicant.
The Riverside Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance and a related waiver on Monday to allow a 6‑foot solid board fence at 4100 Spruce Pine Court, adopting staff-recommended conditions and noting the applicant’s recusal from the vote.
City staff told the board the property is a corner lot in the R‑3 zoning district at the intersection of Spruce Pine Court and Strat Haven Drive. The existing chain‑link fence would be replaced with a 6‑foot solid board fence set back from the sidewalk; staff recommended a condition limiting the encroachment along Strat Haven to a 12‑foot setback from the sidewalk. “The fence will improve the safety of the area,” a city staff member said, adding the property owners have pets and plan a future pool.
The recommendation to approve included findings that the requested variance would have a minimal impact, that there are unique circumstances at the site, and that a reasonable alternative site plan exists if the board chose not to grant relief. Staff presented photos showing similar 6‑foot wood fences elsewhere in the neighborhood, and noted an alternative plan that would avoid the need for a variance by placing the fence in a different location on the lot.
Board members asked whether the proposed 6‑foot fence would create sight‑line or driveway access problems for neighbors. Staff said the recommended 12‑foot setback addressed sight‑line and driveway‑clearance concerns and that there were no unresolved sight‑line issues between Spruce Pine Court and Strat Haven Drive.
After discussion the board voted to approve the variance “with the recommended conditions based on the staff report, evidence, and testimony heard today.” The board then separately approved the related waiver request for the 6‑foot board fence under BZA case BZA25001. The roll call recorded yes votes from members Kron, Gosnell, Tieferd and Walling; the motions passed. Board member Elias Smith was recused and did not participate in deliberations or votes because he is the applicant.
The board opened the public hearing on the item at 6:10 p.m., accepted no public petitions or testimony, then closed the hearing and returned to deliberations. No financial assistance, permits beyond zoning relief, or outside approvals were reported as conditions of the approvals.
The panel briefly discussed bylaws and other administrative matters later in the meeting; the bylaws revision will return for formal action at the organizational meeting in January.
