Board grants fence variance at 3800 Nash after owner cites long‑standing fence and safety concerns

The Troy Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 1 approved a variance allowing a 6‑foot privacy fence at 3800 Nash Drive after hearing from the homeowner and city staff about the fence’s history.

City staff reported the property is a corner lot in the R‑1C district where front‑yard fences are limited to 30 inches. Staff said the previous fence was present long‑term and that records show a 1980 permit for a split‑rail fence and a later permit in 1999; staff did not locate a clear record tying the prior solid 6‑foot fence to a permit. Enforcement case EN2025‑01655 is listed in city records for work without a permit.

Homeowner Kimberly Lappin said she has lived on the property since 2004 and replaced the worn fence using the same posts and footprint. “When I bought this house, it was understood that my fence line and yardage was grandfathered,” Lappin said. She told the board the family seeks privacy and safety for children and pets and that the new fence matches the prior location and posts.

Staff confirmed the mixed‑material fence is acceptable under the code and that repairs replacing panels in kind would not have required permits; because this installation changed materials and appearance the work required a permit. Lappin said she paid the $500 permit fee after the work was done and will complete any required final inspections.

Board members acknowledged the circumstances — a long‑standing fence, neighborhood support and the applicant’s remedial permitting — and approved the variance. The board directed the petitioner to coordinate with building inspection for a final inspection and any outstanding enforcement items.