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Board narrows permit triggers for fences, clarifies knee walls and streetscape placement
Summary
Trustees agreed that fences taller than 4 feet should require planning-department review and that knee walls and streetscape walls can be sited near sidewalks under the draft code. Existing fences remain nonconforming and may be maintained until destroyed.
Cascade Charter Township clarified fence and wall rules in the proposed zoning ordinance during an Oct. 23 work session, agreeing to require planning review for fences over 4 feet tall while allowing common streetscape knee walls within setbacks.
What changed: The draft would require planning approval prior to construction, replacement or extension of any wall or fence in any zoning district. Trustees questioned whether small backyard fences should trigger review; staff proposed lowering the permit trigger to greater than 4 feet in height (current practice did not require a permit for most fences). The board agreed to require a simple zoning review for fences taller than 4 feet so staff can verify setbacks and property lines and remind owners that posts face inward.
Knee walls and streetscape features: Staff confirmed knee walls and decorative streetscape walls intended as part of a consistent streetscape may be placed near the sidewalk and are allowed in the setback where the ordinance permits walls to the property line; managers noted these features support the village streetscape intent. Attorney Mike noted that preexisting higher fences remain nonconforming but are generally allowed to remain unless destroyed and rebuilt.
Why it matters: The change aims to reduce disputes over property-line placement and ensure visibility, safety and consistent streetscape treatment in the village while avoiding onerous process for low, purely functional backyard fences.
Next steps: Staff will insert the >4 ft zoning‑review threshold into the draft and return the updated text for introduction with the rest of the ordinance.
