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City approves 8‑foot privacy fence on Primavera Court after staff says code allows conditional use
Summary
Cottonwood Heights approved an 8‑foot concrete‑composite fence at 7621 S. Primavera Court for privacy and noise reduction; staff and residents discussed grading, finished height visibility and the permitting process.
Cottonwood Heights Administrative Hearing Officer Jared Gerben approved a conditional‑use permit for an 8‑foot fence at 7621 South Primavera Court (CPD 25‑012) on Aug. 6, 2025, after planning staff recommended approval to address privacy and noise concerns and after neighbors sought clarification on allowable fence heights and grading impacts.
Planning staff said applicants Cameron and Jane Archibald seek an 8‑foot concrete‑composite fence on the north and south property lines to maintain privacy and reduce noise; staff noted the proposed fence would match an existing 8‑foot wall on the rear of the property and recommended approval with conditions, including obtaining a building permit, inspections and a requirement that the fence not exceed 8 feet from existing grade. Staff explained municipal fencing rules allow 8 feet by conditional use, and up to 12 feet only with neighbor consent.
At the hearing, an applicant representative clarified that, because of a low corner in the yard, the fence will measure about 8 feet above finished grade on the low side but approximately 6 feet above the driveway grade on the north side; the representative estimated fill to level that corner at "a maximum of 18 inches to 2 feet." Resident Audrey Pines asked whether the conditional‑use allowance means other neighborhoods (she cited Brighton Point and Wasatch Boulevard) could also seek 8‑foot fences because of noise; planning staff and the hearing officer responded that 6 feet is the typical allowance without conditional use and that requests for taller fences must demonstrate unique circumstances or topography through the conditional‑use process.
The hearing officer moved to approve CPD 25‑012 subject to staff conditions, including securing a building permit that specifies materials and the maximum 8‑foot height from existing grade, and to complete all necessary inspections. The permit approval allows the Archibalds to apply for permits and proceed with construction under the stated conditions.
Next steps: applicants must submit building‑permit plans showing final grading and fence details and complete inspections; neighbor consent is required for any future request to exceed 8 feet (up to 12 feet).
