ADR approves fence and autogate at 117 Laurel Grove but seeks more openness for driveway gate

The Ross Advisory Design Review recommended forwarding the design review application for a new stained cedar/redwood autogate and a 6-foot fence at 117 Laurel Grove to the Town Council, and ADR members advised the applicant to adopt a more transparent gate design consistent with Ross’s driveway-gate openness guidelines.

Staff said the project proposes an autogate with exterior lighting and a six-foot fence aligned with the property line. The applicant explained the gate would be solid wood adjacent to the gate posts and would transition to a deer fence where it meets an existing stone wall; the applicant said the primary reasons were deer control (deer can jump a 4-foot fence) and privacy/security concerns because Laurel Grove's gate is often open and the approach is dark.

ADR members said deer fencing in the front yard was common in Ross and acceptable. Multiple members, including the chair, reminded the applicant that town policy for driveway gates typically requires no more than 50% solidity; the applicant offered an alternate gate design submitted the same day that would be 50% open above 4 feet and remained otherwise the same. ADR members generally supported the alternate, more open design and suggested matching a solid lower panel height to an adjacent stone wall and an open upper portion for visual transparency. Members recommended the applicant refine the gate and fence details to meet town design standards and forwarded the application to the Town Council with that guidance.