Leander planners postpone decision on Baghdad Road PUD after heated debate over a 6‑foot daycare fence

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 13 postponed consideration of a proposed PUD for 2100 South Baghdad Road after lengthy discussion over an applicant request to retain a 6‑foot fence along Baghdad Road that staff says conflicts with the composite zoning ordinance.

Justin Hunt of the Planning Department explained the request would permit an accessory single‑family unit above commercial uses and asked for exemption to allow the existing 6‑foot fence along the South Baghdad frontage. Staff recommended approving the PUD but removing the alternative fence standard; staff cited corridor aesthetics and that higher fences are generally discouraged without masonry treatment or setbacks.

Applicant Mark Gillespie, who operates Children's Garden Preschool at the site, urged the commission to allow the taller fence for safety reasons, saying parents had reported syringes found near a walking trail and that the 6‑foot barrier improved security and privacy. "We raised the height to 6 feet based on concerns of our clients," Gillespie said.

Several commissioners expressed sympathy for safety concerns but worried that placing the fence standard into the PUD would create a permanent zoning condition that binds future owners. Commissioner Lantrip suggested allowing the fence only while the site remains a daycare or pursuing a non‑zoning alternative. Commissioner Oliver proposed conditional language defining acceptable materials and appearance, and the commission asked staff to work with the applicant on revised PUD language.

The commission voted unanimously to continue the item to the Dec. 11 meeting to allow staff and the applicant to craft clearer, enforceable language addressing fencing material, conditional allowance tied to daycare use, and aesthetics.