Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident asks Independence planning commission to consider changing code to allow chain‑link fences in some residential areas
Summary
A resident told the Planning Commission she purchased materials for a chain‑link fence only to learn the city code prohibits chain‑link fences in residential zones; staff said a single‑property exception is not available and suggested the commission could initiate a code amendment, with a possible hearing in January.
A resident told the Independence Planning Commission on Nov. 4 that she had purchased materials to install a chain‑link fence at her home and was surprised to learn chain‑link is not permitted in residential zones. City staff said the existing development code does not allow a single‑property exception and recommended the commission could pursue a code amendment if members chose to do so.
"We do not allow chain link fences for residential homes in the City of Independence," a staff member said during public comment. Staff explained the applicant could seek a code change but that the process would require drafting the amendment and scheduling the required public hearing; staff estimated the earliest hearing, if pursued immediately, would be in January.
Commissioners expressed sympathy and asked staff to provide background on the history of the restriction before the commission considers any change. One commissioner noted chain‑link is commonly used in nearby industrial and commercial areas and that enforcement capacity in residential neighborhoods is currently limited.
No motion was made. Staff and commissioners agreed to gather more background and potentially bring a draft code amendment or informational item to a future meeting for formal consideration.
