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Board approves homeowner's fence after applicant acknowledges building without permit
Summary
The Jonesboro Board approved a homeowner's existing backyard fence after the applicant said he built it without first getting a permit; neighbors reported they were satisfied if the fence is stained to match and the applicant pays applicable fees.
The Jonesboro Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 27 approved a homeowner's request related to an already-constructed backyard fence after the applicant acknowledged he had not obtained a required permit before building.
The applicant, Randy Woodard, told the board he had replaced an old chain-link fence with a board-on-board fence and said he did not realize a permit was required. He said he had tried to improve the property and that neighboring property owners had told him they were generally satisfied with the result if the fence were stained to match surrounding fencing.
Board members spent several minutes reviewing photos and the site configuration with Woodard and staff. Woodard said a retaining wall of roughly 2—2— to 3 feet with a 6-foot fence on top effectively made the fence about 8 to 9 feet tall in places. He said the fence crew was a carpenter named Kevin Bouchon and that he had paid a fee but was unsure whether it was the full amount required.
Planning staff and board members noted that steep grade changes can justify taller fences in places and that the board had previously questioned 8-foot fences where no grade change exists. A board member restated that municipal rules require permits for fence construction and that, per city practice, the fee for building without a permit can be doubled.
During discussion Woodard said he had offered to stain the neighbor's side of the fence and that neighbors to the west and north had indicated they were comfortable if the back side matched existing stained fences. The board also reviewed photographs submitted in the meeting packet showing the before-and-after condition of the yard.
A motion to approve the fence as presented passed on a roll-call vote: Miles, yes; Bailey, yes; Capels, no; Gilmore, yes. The board chair told Woodard the city staff would follow up with him on outstanding permitting or fee matters.
The board did not adopt additional conditions beyond the standard permitting and fee processes recorded in the meeting.
Woodard expressed appreciation as the item concluded.
