Board approves 12-foot minimum setback for fence at 2109 Joanne

The Troy City Board of Appeals approved a variance for a 4-foot non-obscuring aluminum fence at 2109 Joanne on June 4, but added a condition that the fence maintain a 12-foot minimum setback from the sidewalk/property line along Ledge to address sight-line and neighborhood design concerns.

Dominic (city staff) described the R-1B lot as a corner parcel where the zoning ordinance limits front-yard fences to 30 inches; the applicant sought a 4-foot non-obscuring aluminum fence, proposed to run 66 feet along Ledge with returns of roughly 29.5 feet and 27.5 feet, creating a variance length of about 123 feet in the Ledge-designated front yard. Dominic said 110 feet of the total 233 feet proposed would comply with zoning.

Applicant Nathan Martin told the board he is expecting a child in about two and a half weeks and that he also has a dog; he said the fence is to keep children and pets safe from nearby traffic and foot traffic. Martin said landscape features such as existing hedges would remain and that his intent was to place the fence inside the hedges; he also said he and his contractor discussed angled placements to achieve offset distances.

Board discussion focused on the plan drawing’s clarity and on how to phrase the approval to avoid repeated returns to the board for minor adjustments. Several members supported approving the variance while specifying a minimum setback to preserve sight lines. A motion to approve the variance with the condition that the fence be set a minimum of 12 feet along the Ledge property line passed; the clerk read the roll as a unanimous yes vote on the motion and the item carried.

Staff will process permits consistent with the board’s condition; the petitioner was advised that any changes beyond the approved drawing would require a return to the board.