Zoning board approves 8-foot rear-fence variance at 7635 La Grande Drive, 8-1

The Zoning Board of Adjustments granted a variance to allow an 8-foot fence along the rear property line at 7635 La Grande Drive, with the board voting 8–1 in favor.

Daryl McBride, the applicant and homeowner, said the fence was built in November 2024 by a contractor who did not pull permits and that the family sought an 8-foot board-on-board fence for privacy and to keep dogs separated. “We needed to get 8 foot fence… because of the privacy because my wife and daughter, like to go out in the backyard and…,” McBride told the board, describing repeated incidents with a neighboring property.

Staff confirmed that the city’s permitting rules allow a maximum fence height of 6 feet 6 inches without a variance, that a fence permit in the city costs $35, and that a variance application fee is $500. McBride said the contractor did not disclose the need for permits and that the contractor later ceased operations.

Board members discussed neighborhood aesthetics and precedent. One board member opposed the variance on principle, saying repeated 8-foot variances would create inconsistency and detract from neighborhoods; another member cited the interstate sound wall behind the row of homes and widespread neighbor support in this case. The chair called the question and announced the motion passed 8–1.

The board’s approval allows the McBrides to keep the existing 8-foot rear fence subject to any required retroactive permitting and inspections. Staff reminded the homeowners that permits and any corrective work remain their responsibility and that failure to comply could result in code enforcement action.