Rowlett commissioners approve corner-lot homeowner's request to replace decorative fence with 6-foot privacy fence

The Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 on Nov. 11 to approve Zoning Application 25-000172, granting a warrant to increase a side-yard fence height from 42 inches to 6 feet and to replace the ornamental metal fence with a board-on-board cedar fence for the corner lot at 8613 Royal Star Road.

Matthew Henson, the homeowner, said the existing 42-inch wrought-iron fence did not provide privacy or security for his family and asked the commission to allow a 6-foot board-on-board cedar fence. "It's very important for me to provide safety to my family that I believe a security a security fence, 6 foot board and board seater would provide," Henson said.

Henson noted he planned to preserve a 10-foot visibility triangle at the alley and to set the fence line back from the front of the house so it would not impair sight lines. Staff confirmed those visibility requirements had been addressed. Planning manager Jalen Porsche explained the Form-Based New Neighborhood code's fence materials and height allowances and said staff received one in favor within 200 feet and one opposition and four in favor within 500 feet as of the report deadline.

Commissioner Wilson raised concerns about altering the neighborhood aesthetic and noted that corner lots were intentionally designed with ornamental fencing. "I own a house with a wrought iron fence where I we chose that house because of the aesthetics," she said, but commissioners found the applicant met the code criteria and visibility requirements.

Commissioner Hernandez moved to approve the warrants as described in the agenda; Commissioner Wilson seconded and the motion passed 7-0. The applicant may proceed with permits consistent with the approved warrant and the maintained visibility triangle.

The commission adjourned after the vote.