Appeal over 6‑ft front fence at 20 Burnside continued to March 4 for compromise drafting

Homeowners Simon and Catherine Little asked the San Francisco Board of Appeals on Jan. 28 to overturn a zoning administrator’s denial of a variance to replace an approximately 4‑foot front fence with a 6‑foot solid fence at 20 Burnside Avenue. The Littles said the lot lacks a rear yard, is recessed from the streetscape, sits across from a school and a park entrance, and therefore lacks private outdoor space; they asked the board to allow a modest 6‑ft front fence and offered a compromise that would realign fence sightlines with an adjacent neighbor and create public planting in front of the fence.

Corey Teague, zoning administrator for the Planning Department, told the board that while some unique circumstances can justify front‑setback variances, the planning code and design guidelines generally push against solid, tall walls at the street edge because of concerns about defensive architecture and loss of public‑realm continuity. Teague said some precedents exist but typically involved unusual topography or very narrow sidewalk conditions; he recommended denial absent a compelling, exceptional circumstance.

Commissioners discussed possible middle‑ground options — a stepped or tapered fence, partial panels, additional planting to soften the street edge, or a slightly recessed alignment that respects neighbors’ sightlines. After hearing the parties and staff, the board continued the appeal to March 4 to allow the Littles and the zoning administrator to meet and draft agreed findings or a compromise plan addressing privacy and child safety while limiting public‑realm impacts. The continuance was made so the parties could submit findings that would support a variance if a compromise were reached.