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Commission approves 6-foot front-yard privacy fence at 428 E. Dresser Road
Summary
The commission approved a variance to allow a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence in part of the front yard along Joanne Lane at 428 East Dresser Road. Staff recommended approval; the applicant cited safety for a toddler and several neighbors submitted letters in support.
The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 3, 2025 voted to approve a variance to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow a 6-foot high privacy fence in a portion of the front yard along Joanne Lane for the property at 428 East Dresser Road.
Nancy Anderson, who identified herself as a deed holder for the property along with her daughter Shawna Anderson (the applicant), told the commission the taller fence is requested to ensure the safety and security of Shawna Anderson’s 2-year-old son. Staff recommended approval, noting part of the fence already constructed conforms to code and describing a proposed mocha-walnut vinyl fence that would angle from the house and tie into an existing permitted fence, leaving a four‑foot offset from the sidewalk.
Staff read several neighbor letters into the record in support of the variance. The commission moved to approve based on the petition, testimony and the staff report. Commissioner O'Flaherty made the motion to approve the variance, citing the findings of fact and the staff exhibit; the motion was seconded by Commissioner McMahon. The roll call, as recorded in the meeting transcript, shows affirmative votes from commissioners listed in the roll call segment; the chair announced the motion passed and the variance was approved.
The approval cites specific sections of the Unified Development Ordinance (staff and the sample motion reference Articles 7.06.0.37, 7.06.0.6 and 7.06.0.6 point b and 7.06.0.6). The staff report and Exhibit A in the record show the proposed alignment and materials; staff conditioned no visibility problems on Joanne Lane or East Dresser Road.
The commission did not identify additional conditions beyond standard staff comments referenced in the staff report.
