Santa Rosa zoning administrator approves 7-foot fence at East Foothill Drive

Zoning Administrator Amy Nicholson on Thursday approved a minor conditional use permit allowing a 7-foot-tall wood fence within the corner side setback at 1926 East Foothill Drive.

The fence approval, carried out by administrative resolution rather than a public hearing, was conditioned on adding landscaping in front of the fence and was found to be outside the 40-foot vision triangle used to evaluate traffic safety. The decision is final unless an appeal is filed with the Planning and Economic Development Department within 10 calendar days; the administrator set the appeal deadline as Monday, June 16.

Planner Lanner Hartman told the zoning administrator the project proposes a seven-foot fence, of which the top foot is a lattice trellis and the lower six feet are solid wood, and that the proposed line would be 5 feet back from the sidewalk along Gross Avenue. Hartman said staff could make required findings and that the project qualified for a CEQA exemption for accessory structures.

Hartman also told the zoning administrator there was one late public comment raising a concern that the fence could be a hazard for vehicles; staff said the fence would sit outside the 40-foot vision triangle and had placed a landscaping condition to reduce visual dominance.

Resident Janice Carmen spoke in support during public comment, saying she was “very familiar with fences” and that the proposed design “looks great.” Nicholson said she had reviewed the resolution, inspected the site from her vehicle and would sign the resolution approving the fence.

Nicholson closed public comment for the item and stated the appeal instructions and the 10-day appeal period. The zoning administrator then adjourned the meeting.