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Delafield commission approves after‑the‑fact fence at Commodore site, urges neighbors to continue negotiations
Summary
The commission approved an existing 6‑foot fence installed on the south lot line of the Walkers Point/Commodore property that had been constructed without prior approval, while urging continued work with adjacent homeowners on additional screening and parking practices to reduce headlight intrusion.
The Delafield Plan Commission voted Oct. 29 to approve an existing 6‑foot fence that an applicant installed along the property's south lot line at the Commodore (Walkers Point Property LLC) after construction had commenced without prior city approval.
City planner Amy Barrows summarized the site's history: when the site was redeveloped staff approved a landscape plan that included a swale and plantings; several mature trees were removed at that time and the approved planting plan was intended to re‑establish screening. During construction a 6‑foot fence was installed without authorization and a neighbor raised concerns about headlights from parking stalls reaching upper windows on homes two lots to the south.
Applicant Keith Trafton (Barla Restaurants) told the commission the company has spent about $125,000 on stormwater, plantings and other site improvements, has been negotiating with the neighboring homeowners and has installed smaller arborvitae and deciduous trees. Trafton said staff parking assignments and additional planting were part of the company's efforts to reduce headlight impacts, and that his team was willing to continue to work with the neighbor. Neighbor Susan McVay (resident) addressed the commission by telephone and in person and emphasized that screening was insufficient to prevent intrusive headlights; she requested more mitigation.
Commissioners discussed alternatives including placing employees in rear stalls to reduce intrusion, additional plantings on or along the fence, and whether to require shared costs for additional landscaping. Staff noted that the originally approved plan required at least 4 feet of screening along parking areas abutting residential districts; the fence exceeded that requirement at 6 feet. Given the uncertain effectiveness of additional measures and the applicants' ongoing efforts to find a resolution, the commission moved to approve the existing fence as constructed and encouraged the parties to continue negotiating screening and parking solutions. The motion passed on an aye vote.
The commission’s action approved the existing improvement, leaving open the possibility that the parties will present a plan for additional screening or adjustments in a future application.
Provenance: Staff synopsis and applicant statements in the public record. Topic introduction: Amy Barrows explained the site history and that the fence had been installed without approval. Topic finish: motion to approve fence as constructed and direction to continue discussions.
