Board grants fence-height variance at 5015 East Long Lake to allow 6-foot vinyl privacy fence

The Troy City Board of Appeals on June 4 approved a fence-height variance permitting a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence at 5015 (East Long Lake/Foulmouth corner), after the applicant said the request is driven by child safety and privacy concerns.

Dominic (city staff) explained the property is a corner lot in the R-1B zoning district, where front-yard fences are limited to 30 inches. The petitioner sought a 6-foot privacy fence in the East Long Lake-facing front yard. Dominic described the plan as 70 feet along East Long Lake, a 35-foot return along the rear property line adjacent to open space, and another 35-foot return to the southwest corner of the house — a total variance length of 140 feet in the East Long Lake front yard; of 242 feet proposed, 102 feet would comply with zoning and not require a variance.

Applicant Brandon Yaso told the board he has young children — a nearly 3-year-old, a 1-year-old and another baby expected — and said he sought the fence for security and privacy: "So mainly, security and privacy for my children as they get older." The petitioner also provided a neighbor letter in support and a neighbor, Bonnie Ferguson of 5033, spoke at the meeting in favor.

Board members asked about existing nearby fences and easements. Dominic said a 20-foot drainage easement along the western property line exists and that the Department of Public Works had approved the fence within the easement. No other emails were reported.

A board member moved to grant the variance on the basis that the property’s exceptional characteristics make strict compliance substantially more difficult; another member seconded. Kathy read the roll call: the vote was recorded as unanimous in favor. The motion carried and staff will process permits and coordinate any required DPW approvals.

The petitioner was advised that if the applicant later seeks to change the approved design, they would need to return to the board.