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Board grants variance for 6-foot privacy fence and shed at 5338 West Edwards
Summary
The board granted a variance allowing a six-foot privacy fence and placement of a garden shed in a yard treated as a second frontage at 5338 West Edwards Avenue (case 2025DV2-023).
The Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals Division 2 granted a variance to allow a six-foot privacy fence and the placement of a garden shed within the yard at 5338 West Edwards Avenue (case 2025DV2-023). Chair Craig Von Dalen, Aaron McBride and Tom Barnes voted yes; the variance was granted.
Petitioner Austin Young told the board he bought the house in 2021, has three dogs and sought the fence primarily for safety and security. Young said he consulted neighbors before proceeding and provided door-to-door confirmation that adjacent owners supported the proposed improvements. He explained the shed was relocated to improve driveway access and would sit behind the rear-most leading edge of the home.
Pat Andrews, chair of the Decatur Township Civic Council land-use committee, testified the township council reviewed the petition and voted unanimously to support it. Neighbor David Taylor spoke in favor as well.
Staff recommended denial, noting that for corner lots the ordinance treats both street-facing sides as front yards and limits opaque front-yard fences to 42 inches (or 48 inches for certain chain link). Staff urged that tall, opaque fences on a narrow collection of frontages could create a “canyon” effect and reduce walkability. Staff also pointed to the option of substantial landscaping or other containment measures and said the shed could be relocated behind the leading edge of the house to comply.
Board members weighed the petitioner’s claims of impracticality if required to limit the fence to 42 inches, the petitioner’s documentation of neighbor support, and the civic council endorsement. After discussion the board voted in favor of the variance. On the record: Aaron McBride voted yes. Craig Von Dalen voted yes. Tom Barnes voted yes. "The variance is granted," the secretary announced.
The petitioner committed to construct in accordance with the submitted plans and to remove fence posts that encroached on the public right of way. Staff recommended landscaping or other measures for neighborhood compatibility; the board granted the variance with the petitioner’s commitments.
What happens next: Petitioner may complete the installed fence and shed in line with his stated commitments and the board’s order; staff may follow up on the right-of-way adjustments.
