Carla Ann Devanish, principal planner in Development Services, presented proposed changes to how the city measures the height of fences and walls, a topic that has produced multiple variances since the city adopted flood‑elevation and fill rules.

Devanish described how 2021 changes to FEMA‑related finished‑floor elevation and the city’s temporary allowance of site fill had produced situations where a redeveloped property could build a standard code fence on its improved grade while adjacent properties would face a 10–15‑foot exposed wall on the neighbor side because their grade was lower. That outcome led to public complaints and multiple Board of Adjustment variance requests.

Staff’s proposal would return to measuring non‑habitable wall height using the adjacent exterior grade (the neighbor’s outside grade) for the portion of the wall behind the front yard setback. To limit visual and privacy impacts, staff recommends allowing a narrow architectural feature above the solid wall—subject to a transparency requirement (for example a lattice or decorative element)—so the visible height is less imposing while preserving some privacy on the redeveloped site.

Commissioners and a public commenter asked whether properties abutting commercial parcels should be allowed higher walls; staff noted the current code already allows up to 10 feet in certain residential/nonresidential adjacencies and said it will analyze whether to make that an explicit requirement instead of an option. Parks and Recreation and the police chief joined a later discussion about enforcement of electric bicycles in parks (parks rules prohibit operation of electric vehicles inside parkland; enforcement would rely on police and park staff).

Why this matters: Flood elevation and fill rules can unintentionally produce very tall boundary walls that alter neighborhood character and sightlines. The proposed amendment aims to reduce out‑of‑scale exposed walls while still allowing property owners to secure and screen redeveloped lots.

Next steps: Staff will draft ordinance language, coordinate outreach (including neighborhood and building‑industry stakeholders and the Central Beach civic association), run a planning‑board review, and return with a first reading.