Applicant seeks 8‑foot chain‑link fence along CSX right‑of‑way at 570 North Cameron Street

David Frank, representing 0 Pack Owner LLC, asked the Winchester Planning Commission at a June work session for a conditional‑use permit to install an 8‑foot vinyl‑coated chain‑link fence along the CSX railroad and a short section facing East Wick Street at 570 North Cameron Street in the Central Business (B‑1) district.

Planning staff said the 3.75‑acre site is bounded by CSX and North Cameron Street and that zoning normally limits front‑yard fences to 4 feet in height and 25 percent openness; because a short segment of East Wick Street is treated as a front yard, the applicant must obtain a CUP under Section 18‑9‑4 of the Winchester zoning ordinance rather than pursuing a variance. Staff recommended conditions including a zoning fence permit, a maximum 8‑foot height limited to the linear distance shown on the submitted plan, and that any expansion of the tall fence would require a new CUP.

The applicant and staff told commissioners that CSX required an 8‑foot fence between residential development and the railroad as a condition of the railroad’s approvals. David Frank said negotiations with CSX resulted in a mandated chain‑link barrier; the applicant is proposing a vinyl‑coated chain link to improve appearance and a wooden rail fence of 4 feet and 25 percent openness for other frontages.

Commissioners asked whether the 8‑foot height would be measured at the street or parking‑lot elevation, whether the fence would remain after residential construction, and whether a more ornamental fence could be used. Staff said they would verify exact elevations on the site plan; staff and the applicant said the fence was intended to be permanent while the property configuration and street status remain as shown. The applicant noted that if Wick Street is later abandoned, the need for a CUP could end.

No formal action or vote was taken at the work session. Staff said they will return with clarified site‑plan measurements and recommended language for the public‑hearing packet; the item will proceed through the CUP public‑hearing process before a final decision.

The matter matters locally because the property abuts an active railroad and the discovery that a short segment of East Wick Street functions as a front yard changes which process governs fencing and streetscape treatment. The Planning Commission flagged visibility, streetscape appearance, and exact elevation measurements as issues staff should resolve before a public hearing.