Planning & Zoning Commission approves fence and entry columns at 668 North Moseley Road with landscaping condition

Creve Coeur’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted Dec. 2 to approve a site plan for a 4-foot tall black metal fence and four driveway entry columns that sit within the front‑yard setback at 668 North Moseley Road, with the commission adding a condition requiring upright landscaping along the encroaching portion of the fence for staff approval.

City planner Bethany Moore told commissioners the fence had been permitted at the staff level in error and that columns require Planning & Zoning approval. Moore said the columns “also require planning and zoning commission approval, although they do not require a building permit,” and that staff recommended landscaping in front of the see‑through fence if the commission chose to approve it.

Property owner George Mathai, who said he moved into the new house about 10 months ago, told the commission the fence and columns were installed for safety and privacy after reports of a loose dog and because his wife is fearful of dogs. Mathai said he consulted the fence company and believed the material and siting complied; he told the commission he and his neighbors support the appearance and quality of the columns and are willing to add landscaping. “We are prepared to submit an assessment of accommodation for approval,” Mathai said.

A neighbor who identified herself in the record as Jean said the Mathai family had maintained the property well and described the permit situation as “a mistake” by the city; she urged the commission to approve the work and suggested the city adopt clearer internal procedures to prevent similar errors.

Motion language introduced on the record approved the site plan for four entry columns and a 4‑foot aluminum fence within the front‑yard setback for the property addressed as 668 North Moseley Road (application 20433), with the condition that upright landscaping be provided along the portion of the fence that extends into the front‑yard setback for staff approval. The motion passed by recorded affirmative votes.

The commission’s action regularizes an already‑installed fence and columns rather than ordering removal and places the final landscaping details with staff review. The owner indicated willingness to modify plantings or make other minor changes if needed to secure final approval. The commission will record the staff‑approved landscaping as part of the site development file.

The approval followed staff review and a public comment period; the commission then moved on to continue its previously scheduled items.