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Oakley council tables planning commission’s fence and setback changes for clearer wording
Summary
The planning commission recommended updates to fence setbacks, open-design requirements, variance authority, and ground-floor living in commercial zones; council debated visibility language and sidewalk/property-line placement and agreed to postpone the changes until clearer wording and specifics are drafted.
The Oakley City Council reviewed several zoning updates recommended by the planning commission, including proposed minimum setbacks for fences (no closer than 4 feet from the back of the curb), open-design requirements (chain link or split rail) for visibility within corner/side triangles, expanded variance-committee authority in extenuating circumstances, and a change to allow living quarters on the ground floor in the C-2 General Commercial District consistent with the C-1 district.
Council members expressed concerns about ambiguous language — particularly how picket or spindle-style vinyl fences would meet an "open design" requirement, how fences near sidewalks should be located on the property side, and whether side-triangle distances should be modified at stop-controlled intersections. A council member suggested limiting split-rail fences to three rails to preserve visibility; others raised the prospect of shortening a 90-foot triangle where stop signs control intersections.
Because of these wording and implementation questions, the council declined to adopt the planning commission’s recommended changes at this meeting and agreed to postpone action until staff produces clearer language and specific options for council consideration. No vote on an ordinance was taken; the item was tabled for further refinement.
