Commission permits 8‑foot board‑on‑board fence at 5602 Reiger Avenue with adjusted setback

The Dallas Landmark Commission approved Feb. 3 a certificate of appropriateness for a new 8‑foot board‑on‑board wood fence at 5602 Reiger Avenue in the Junius Heights Historic District, with a modification to the typical requirement for fence placement.

Applicant Caitlin Tobin said the existing shared fence had historically extended near the front corner of the house and that two windows (kitchen and dining room) face the neighboring house; the owner sought additional privacy. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the interior side yard fence be moved back to the 50% line of the main structure; commissioners discussed a potential compromise of reducing the 50% requirement to a five‑foot setback measured from the porch.

After on‑the‑record measurement showed the distance from the front of the house to the first window was approximately 7.5 feet, commissioners agreed a modified setback pegged to the rear of the porch would satisfy both the preservation guideline and the applicant's privacy need. Commissioner Preziosi moved to approve the fence with the condition the replacement fence be set back at least five feet behind the porch line (effectively the required placement under code for similar contexts); Commissioner Reeves seconded. The motion passed with a majority.

Staff will work with the applicant and neighbor to confirm the shared panel relocation and any necessary agreement for the shared boundary. The commission noted existing portions of the fence that remain in place need not be removed unless the owners choose to alter them.