Board approves Whispering Hills fence with gate access and hold-harmless condition

The Porter County Stormwater Advisory Board approved a request to install a privacy fence within a regulated drainage easement in Whispering Hills Subdivision at 284 Dreamwood Drive, subject to conditions requiring gated access and a county hold‑harmless agreement.

Applicant Jason Smith, representing homeowner Nicholas Wrigley, described a 6‑foot privacy fence using 2.5‑inch galvanized driven posts set 4 feet deep to minimize excavation in the easement. He said fence panels would be removable and that the owner planned double‑drive gates to permit equipment access when needed.

Staff highlighted the presence of an existing HDPE/dual‑wall culvert in the area and warned about the risk of damage from fence work. Staff recommended that the portion of fencing across the 10‑foot drainage easement be a 10‑foot‑wide gate so county crews could access the storm sewer for inspection, repair, maintenance or reconstruction. Mike also emphasized that any future fence removal for county work would be at the owner’s expense and that a signed hold‑harmless agreement and standard easement terms would be required.

Board members pressed about flow direction, wetness of the rear area and septic/well locations. The applicant agreed to locate gates to provide access and sign required agreements. A board member moved to approve the fence pending staff conditions, including two gates for access; the motion was seconded and the board voted to carry the motion.

Staff said final execution of indemnification/hold‑harmless paperwork and final approval will be completed at the next commissioners meeting.