Decatur planners review proposed front-yard fence rules; city council seeks 36-inch limit and 50% visibility

The Decatur Planning and Zoning Commission heard a discussion of a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to clarify front-yard fence rules. City Council has directed staff to pursue changes that would allow limited front-yard fences while setting visibility, material and setback standards.

Wayne (Developments Services) presented the item and said the 2021 code amendment currently allows certain front-yard fences on lots with multiple street frontage "in which a side yard has not been established by a plat," effectively permitting six-foot fences on corner lots. Wayne told commissioners the council wants to revise that approach and had proposed a maximum front-yard fence height of 36 inches and a requirement that fencing provide "50% visibility through that fence so that you're able to see through it." Wayne said the council also asked staff to exclude chain-link and agricultural-grade fencing (for example, goat fence or hog panels) from allowed front-yard materials.

Staff proposed minimum setbacks: 10 feet from the property line and not less than 5 feet behind the sidewalk, and that fences should be located behind any utility easements in the front yard. Wayne said most utility easements in the city are about 10 feet and the intent is to keep fences behind those easements. The draft language also contemplates construction details such as a 6-inch concrete footing for low masonry walls.

Commissioners asked about definitions and edge cases. One commissioner asked how the ordinance will define "front yard" where a house is set back far from the street; Wayne and staff said the current zoning definition treats the area from the front architectural feature forward as the front yard, and council direction favored preserving that definition. Commissioners suggested clarifying whether the rule should reference the established setback line (the required front-yard setback) rather than the actual built front face of a house; staff said they would consider language to allow a small nominal tolerance (for example, a few inches) to account for posts and nonattached fence features.

Several commissioners supported allowing low masonry walls and suggested an exception for solid low walls used for drainage or flood mitigation, with possible height limits. Wayne said staff will draft specific language and return to the commission with a proposed amendment; staff told the commission they expect to bring a formal amendment for recommendation at the commission's Aug. 5 meeting.

Wayne said the proposed section will also address screening and buffering and give staff additional authority to approve some buffering between properties. Staff confirmed existing front-yard fences would be grandfathered under the new rules.