Planning Commission upholds director's decision allowing limited 8-foot hedges at 1425 Sydney Street

The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission on a unanimous vote denied an appeal of the Community Development Director's fence-height exception at 1425 Sydney Street, upholding a decision to permit hedges up to 8 feet in a limited area where staff said an "overlook" created privacy impacts.

Neighbors Craig and Lisonbee Bridal appealed the director’s March approval, arguing the taller plantings would reduce natural light, increase moisture and mold risk, and block views into the setback area next to their home. The property owners, Lacey and Jake Minnick, sought a larger exception to allow hedges up to 9 feet but the director capped the allowed height at 8 feet and limited the extent of that additional height to the area abutting the neighboring windows.

Assistant planner Walter Etzel told the commission the director's modified approval balanced privacy and light. He said the fence…