Planning and Zoning Commission approves 6-foot fence at 150 Executive Estates Drive

The Creve Coeur Planning and Zoning Commission on July 21 approved a site development plan to allow a six-foot horizontal wooden fence within the front-yard setback at 150 Executive Estates Drive (application 25-018), with a condition that the applicant submit a final landscaping plan for staff review.

Applicant Kent Ritzel told the commission his corner lot effectively has multiple front yards and that heavy shade from a row of mature sweet gum trees has caused planted screening to fail, leaving the family’s pool area and backyard exposed to pedestrian and street view. Ritzel said he sought a mid-century–style fence of horizontal cedar boards with small gaps between boards to allow airflow and partial visibility: "Our intent is 6 foot tall," he said, describing 4- or 6-inch cedar boards mounted horizontally with posts spaced about 4 feet on center.

City planner Bethany Moore presented the site plan, mapped the property and said the fence would sit roughly six feet back from the property line and partially within a 10-foot easement adjacent to West Windrush Creek Lane and Grazer. Moore cited Section 405640 C of the city code, which limits which fences can be approved administratively and requires commission review when height and location exceed staff-level allowances. Moore said staff recommended approval with a requirement that "a final landscaping plan be submitted for staff review," and suggested planting two to three upright evergreens to screen the fence from the roadway.

An unidentified commissioner moved to approve the application as described with the landscaping condition; the motion was seconded and commissioners present voted ‘aye,’ including Mister Wang, Miss Richter, Mister Patashnick and Chair Rhonda O’Brien. The application passed. Moore told the applicant the city would send sight-distance triangle information and reminded him that a separate fence permit would still be required after commission approval.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed to the permit stage subject to the agreed landscaping review. Staff will review the final planting plan for shade-tolerant screening before issuing any permits.