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Board of Adjustment allows 9-foot fence and reduced openness on East Dallas home for security
Summary
The Dallas Board of Adjustment granted two special exceptions for a property on South Edgefield Avenue, allowing a 9-foot-7-inch fence and a panel with less than 50% open surface area to address security concerns; motions passed unanimously with the condition that plans comply with the most recent submissions.
The Dallas Board of Adjustment Panel B on May 21, 2025, granted two special exceptions for a fence at a single-family property on South Edgefield Avenue, allowing the owner to construct and maintain a 9-foot-7-inch fence and panels with less than 50% open surface area along the front lot line. The board conditioned approvals on compliance with the most recent submitted plans, including elevations.
Why it matters: The board’s decision permits a taller, largely solid fence than the Dallas Development Code ordinarily allows. Board members cited security concerns for the household — including testimony that known attempts had been made to breach the property — and concluded the exceptions would not adversely affect neighboring properties.
What was presented: The applicant, who identified himself as Jesus Aguirre, told the board he raised the fence from six to eight feet for privacy and security because his mother and sister live at the home and he said there have been multiple attempts to climb the original fence and thefts. He said neighbors had seen the notice sign the city posted and were curious but supportive. The applicant asked to retain the existing taller fence rather than remove it for noncompliance with permitting.
Board rationale and conditions: Board members said they found the testimony and site context supported both special exceptions and imposed a single condition requiring compliance with the most recent version of all submitted plans; one member clarified that “plans” for a fence should include elevations. Two separate motions were made and approved: one to allow the 9-foot-7-inch height, and one to allow less than 50% open surface area in the front yard panel.
Votes and formal outcomes: Both motions passed unanimously, 5–0. The board’s action letters will be mailed to the applicant and become part of the public record.
What remains the same: The approvals are conditional on plan compliance; the board emphasized that approvals are case-specific and do not set precedent under the Dallas Development Code.
