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Zoning board allows decorative iron fence at Concourse Drive mini‑warehouse, denies non‑opaque chain‑link variant
Summary
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a six‑foot decorative iron fence with a full landscaping buffer at 1450 Concourse Drive, and denied a variance that would have allowed chain‑link fencing without opaque slats on the remaining property lines, citing screening and security standards.
The Rapid City Zoning Board of Adjustment on Oct. 10 approved a variance to allow a six‑foot decorative iron fence along the frontage of a mini‑warehouse development at 1450 Concourse Drive and denied the applicant’s request to omit opaque slats from chain‑link fencing on the north and south property lines.
Tanner, a city planner, told the board staff supports the iron fence along the street if the applicant installs a 100% landscape buffer to screen the facility from the roadway. Tanner said the chain‑link fence without slats would not meet the zoning code’s screening requirements and staff recommended denial of that portion of the variance.
Neighborhood and public‑safety concerns factored into the commission’s discussion. Erica Olsen, an attorney representing an adjacent property owner, asked the board to continue the item to allow review of covenants and potential easements that her client said could be affected by the proposed fence location. Cale McNabough, an engineer representing the petitioner, said the owner prefers chain‑link without privacy slats on the three non‑frontage sides because it allows visibility into the site and, they argue, enhanced security against break‑ins.
Commissioners weighed those security arguments against the city’s screening standards. Commissioner Vicky said opaque screening has been required in past mini‑warehouse approvals for both aesthetic reasons and to reduce opportunities for trespass, noting police historically supported perimeter screening for such facilities. Several members said the wrought‑iron frontage paired with tall trees could meet the city’s intent along the street.
Commissioner Brooke moved to approve the decorative iron fence along the street frontage while denying the variance to allow chain‑link fencing without opaque slats on the other lot lines; Commissioner Vince seconded the motion. The board voted to carry the motion.
The decision includes a stipulation that the frontage landscaping buffer be installed to meet the minimum screening purpose of the variance. The applicant may still pursue revisions to fencing locations with staff if access easements are shown to require different treatment; covenants between private property owners were identified as civil matters outside the board’s authority.
