Cleveland planning panel approves zoning clearance for Overson to install chain-link fence

The Cleveland Town Planning and Zoning Committee on April 2 unanimously approved a zoning clearance for Sandra Overson to install a chain-link fence around her backyard and portions of her front yard, the committee recorded at its 7:03 p.m. meeting.

Overson, who identified herself as the town animal-control person, told the committee that dogs from a neighboring property have repeatedly entered her yard and that she feels unsafe; she described fencing as a measure to protect herself and her property. "Right now, I'm a prisoner in my home," Overson said while outlining the proposed fence locations and heights.

Overson said the backyard portions of the fence will be 6 feet tall and that any fence installed in the front yard would be 4 feet tall. She described the proposed route as running from the front sidewalk along the south side of the property, across the back and up the north side toward the sidewalk, with a gate across her driveway in front of a parked fifth-wheel and an additional gate to the front walkway if she decides to fence the front yard. She also said she plans to leave a neighboring pasture fence in place and to set the new chain-link slightly inside the property line to avoid interfering with a neighbor's sprinkler piping.

Overson told the committee she would consider installing the front-yard fence if the neighboring property owners (the Jensens) do not complete their own backyard fencing by Mother’s Day weekend. She said she has previously hand-delivered a warning letter to the neighbors and that one dog that had been removed temporarily returned to the area.

Committee members discussed applicable height limits and building-code requirements, noting a 4-foot limit for frontage and that fences above 6 feet can trigger additional building requirements. A committee member moved to approve the zoning clearance and the motion was seconded; the chair called the vote and the committee approved the request unanimously.

The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the meeting transcript; the approval was announced as unanimous. The committee noted no additional permits or signage requirements were necessary for this clearance beyond standard procedures and advised Overson to collect any required paperwork if needed.

The decision resolves Overson’s immediate request to enclose her yard but does not record any enforcement action against the neighboring property beyond Overson’s statement that she delivered a warning letter. The committee did not set a follow-up hearing; the zoning clearance was passed at the April 2 meeting.