Commission approves 6-foot privacy fence at 12116 Royal Valley Drive with landscaping condition

Jose Alanis, a homeowner at 12116 Royal Valley Drive, told the Planning and Zoning Commission the property’s existing 4-foot fence is “dry rotted” and failing and that replacing it with a 6-foot wood privacy fence would improve safety and reduce highway noise. He said the new fence would occupy the existing footprint and that he and his wife, Jennifer Alanis, were prepared to install evergreen shrubs if required.

Director of Community Development Jason Jie/Jagie explained the applicable rule for corner lots: fences within the front-yard area are limited to 4 feet in height unless the commission grants an exception. Jie/Jagie said staff’s review found the proposed six-foot fence would be located in the existing fence line and recommended approval “with the condition that additional landscaping be installed outside of the fence to help soften that appearance.”

Commissioners questioned whether similar fences existed nearby and how landscaping should be maintained; the homeowner said adjacent properties include six-foot vinyl privacy fences. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the site plan for a six-foot wooden privacy fence at 12116 Royal Valley Drive as described in the staff report for application 25010, with the condition that staff direct landscaping along the outside of the fence. The motion passed by voice vote with ayes recorded.

The commission’s approval will be transmitted to the city council or otherwise implemented according to the city’s established permit and inspection process. Staff said it will work with the homeowner on an exact landscape plan to meet the condition.