The Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously on Nov. 4 to grant variances for a front‑yard fence and driveway at 252–258 North Addison Street.

Property owner Agustin Alcaltar told the board the iron fence with brick columns was built about six years ago to secure the home; sections of the fence measure about 5 feet 4 inches, with the tallest portions about 6 feet 3 inches. Alcaltar said the family uses front access because the rear alley is in poor condition and the gate helps manage two large dogs. "I just wanna live in peace in my house," Alcaltar said during testimony.

Staff opposed the variances. Planning staff said the front yard fence substantially exceeds the 3.5‑foot maximum allowed in the front yard, encroaches into required clear‑sight triangles measured from driveways and could create a public‑safety risk where vehicles enter Addison Street. Staff also described an active enforcement case and eight complaint investigations since 2021, and noted that the property comprises three contiguous parcels with prior curb cut conditions. Staff recommended denial to avoid setting a precedent that improvements built without permission would be excused retroactively.

Members of the board discussed the condition of the alley, the historical curb cut and the narrowness of nearby parcels. The petitioner said neighbors had complimented the improvements and described practical difficulties using the alley for daily access.

After deliberation the board cast unanimous "yes" votes (Witt, Catona, Nelson, Duncan) and granted the requested variances. The decision does not remove the need for any required permits from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services; staff noted that any approved driveway still requires a separate driveway permit and inspection.