The Stow City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a 1 foot 6 inch variance for a front-yard fence at 2385 Port Williams Road on Wednesday, allowing the existing 7 foot 6 inch installation to remain.

Staff told the board a prior variance had permitted a 6-foot fence; after the fence was installed staff received a zoning complaint and measured the fence at 7 feet 6 inches, which prompted this appeal. The zoning code, staff noted, counts decorative elements on top of a fence toward overall height.

Phyllis Steinbach, the applicant, was sworn and explained she intended the solid privacy panels to be 6 feet tall and that the decorative balustrade above is a see-through element that does not obstruct views. She provided photographs and packet materials comparing the current fence to prior shrubbery and other nearby fences.

Board members reviewed minutes from the earlier approval; staff confirmed the minutes discussed a 6-foot fence but did not specify whether the decorative top was counted in that measurement. A neighbor’s complaint, staff said, was limited to the fence appearing taller than zoning allows in a front yard. After discussion, the board approved the requested additional 1 foot 6 inches; roll call recorded yes votes from the present members and the variance was granted.

The applicant was told she may keep the fence as installed.