Planning Commission approves fence variance for 4171 Klotz Road

The City of Gahanna Planning Commission approved variance VDash0001-2026 for property at 4171 Klotz Road after staff recommended the exception and the applicant clarified details of the proposal.

Planning staff described the site as zoned ER (estate residential) with a substantial rear-yard pond and a creek within a 100-year floodplain, limiting where a fence can be installed. Staff said the application requests permission for a 4-foot split-rail fence in the front yard (exceeding the 42-inch front-yard limit) and a 6-foot privacy fence along the west property line. Staff recommended approval, noting most of the privacy fence would not be visible from the right of way and the floodplain constrains rear-yard fencing.

Applicant representative Ben Workman, owner of Arrow Fence, told the commission some submitted images and descriptions were incorrect: the 6-foot privacy fence does not extend past the front elevation of the house as the staff presentation had shown, and the split-rail design is a 3-rail, not a 4-rail as pictured. He said the homeowner’s primary need was an enclosure for a dog and that they were willing to adjust fence opacity to meet regulations.

Commissioners asked about gate locations, passage widths, visibility from the road, and emergency access. Workman said gates would be at the back corner and at a jog near the front corner and described a roughly 7-foot passage at a corner; he confirmed welded wire mesh infill would prevent a dog from escaping. No neighbors were recorded as commenting.

Mr. Soriano moved to approve VDash0001-2026 and Mr. Greenberg seconded. Commissioners cited hardship created by floodplain constraints and screening by foliage in supporting the variance. The clerk called the roll; the motion carried. Recorded 'Yes' votes included Siriano, Greenberg, Laser, Mako, Polier and Tamarkin.

Outcome: variance approved to permit the described fencing as presented to the Planning Commission.