Rome ZBA approves 9-foot rear fence at 723 West Dominic Street

The City of Rome Zoning Board of Appeals on May 7, 2025 approved an area variance allowing a 9-foot fence along the rear property line at 723 West Dominic Street, owner Jessie Jaramillo (doing business as Casa Buini).

The variance was granted after the applicant told the board that an existing wood fence is not on the recorded property line and that a steep grade at the rear of the lot prevents a standard 6-foot fence from providing adequate privacy. The board voted to approve the request; the transcript records four affirmative votes and one board member whose vote was not recorded in the public discussion.

The board reviewed the five-area-variance standards on the record, including whether the change would alter neighborhood character and whether the difficulty was self-created. Jaramillo said the current fence “is not anywhere near the actual property lines,” and that a new, taller privacy fence is needed because of the grade differential with the adjacent lot. The public portion drew no speakers.

Board members asked no substantive conditions beyond standard permitting. Chair John Strobello told the applicant, “I think you met the standards for the variance, and you're good to go,” and reminded her to consult with the codes office before construction.

Next steps for the applicant are to coordinate final fence placement and any required building permits with the codes office.