A homeowner in the Tullamore subdivision asked the Milton Equestrian Committee for guidance before a planned Board of Zoning Appeals filing to permit an 8-foot opaque Trex composite fence around a large lot that contains three Shire draft horses.

Staff described the lot as having limited frontage and a pedestrian easement used as a walking trail adjacent to the property. The homeowner's concern is that a standard 4-board equestrian fence may not contain very large Shire horses (presenter: "These are very, very large animals. They stand over 6 feet tall") and that pedestrians using the easement could try to pet or feed the animals.

Committee members and equestrian-experienced residents offered containment options. One committee member advised: "No horse is going through the electric fence, especially if there's a 4 board fence in front of it," recommending an electrified 4-board fence as both effective and consistent with community standards. Members also raised concerns that a solid, opaque 8-foot fence could be damaged by horses rubbing on it and could be visually incongruent with the neighborhood and HOA rules.

During public comment, resident Julie Zahner Bailey (255 Hickory Flat Road) urged the committee to support the city code and to counsel the BZA to deny any 8-foot opaque variance. Bailey said: "A variance request for an 8 foot opaque fence along 600 feet of road frontage is in direct opposition to the legally adopted code of ordinances for the city of Milton ... it should be denied legally by the BZA." She suggested electrification or two layers of fencing as alternatives and said the committee's input would be helpful to staff preparing a report for the BZA.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the homeowner's request but provided clear technical and aesthetic guidance to staff: electrified 4-board fencing or an equestrian-style tall but non-opaque fence are preferable to an 8-foot solid privacy wall. Committee members offered to meet with the homeowner to provide on-site advice before the property goes before the BZA.