Board denies homeownersrequest for higher front fence at 7117 Churchill Way, 4-1

The Dallas Board of Adjustment Panel A on Feb. 18 denied without prejudice a request to construct a 5-foot-6-inch pipe fence in the front yard at 7117 Churchill Way, the home of Cindy and Chadwick Chadwick, by a 4-1 vote.

Applicant representative Monica Hernandez and homeowner Cindy Chadwick described the request as a safety measure for the family’s 15-year-old son, who has intellectual disabilities and a known tendency to elope. Homeowner Cindy Chadwick said the family uses the front yard for safe outdoor activity and provided letters of neighborhood support. Hernandez explained the homeowners sought an extra 12 inches (for a total of 5 feet) and the plans include gates with architectural features that account for the remaining six inches.

Board members debated whether granting a taller fence would "adversely affect neighboring properties," the standard the board applies for special exceptions. Several members said the block presents an open, park-like streetscape with few front-yard fences; one nearby property does have an eight-foot stone wall set well back from the curb, which the board noted likely predated the current homeowners.

Board member Michael Hopkiewicz moved to deny the special exception without prejudice, saying the requested change would negatively affect the character of the area; the motion was seconded and passed 4-1 (Mr. Fleming dissented). The board secretary said a decision letter would be mailed within two days.

The board and staff noted that land-use decisions are tied to the property and remain with the site regardless of the current owner’s needs.