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Commission approves variance for 8-foot privacy fence at Sigma Phi Epsilon property, with landscaping condition
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a variance to allow an 8-foot privacy fence at 920 West Hillcrest Drive after petitioners described repeated trespass and property damage; approval is conditioned on landscaping between the fence and the rear parking lot.
The DeKalb City Planning & Zoning Commission voted Jan. 29 to grant a variance allowing an 8-foot privacy fence at 920 West Hillcrest Drive, requested by the Sigma Phi Epsilon Illinois Epsilon Chapter Alumni Association. The approval is subject to landscaping between the proposed fence and the rear parking area to the satisfaction of the planning director.
Marcus Cattell, vice president of the alumni association, described repeated trespassing across the property and recurring damage to prior fences after the group bought and repaired the lot. "Our driveway has become basically a sidewalk," Cattell said, explaining the association's request for a stronger barrier.
Frank Wooden, president of the alumni association, told the commission the primary concern was liability and that an 8-foot fence would make it more difficult for people to jump the fence than the current 6-foot standard. Planning staff presented photos showing prior fence damage and said the UDO currently allows a maximum 6-foot privacy fence in rear yards; staff recommended approval of a variance after noting similar taller fences exist nearby and one written public response from an adjacent property owner (917 Greenbrier LLC) in support.
Commissioners asked about proximity to dumpsters and parking; petitioner and staff indicated the proposed fence would follow the existing rear property line and leave roughly four feet on each side, and that the fence would not extend up the side yards. Commissioner O'Flaherty moved to approve the variance as shown in Exhibit A with the landscaping condition; Wright seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.
The variance permits the alumni association to construct an 8-foot privacy fence along the rear property line at 920 West Hillcrest Drive, with screening plantings to be approved by the planning director. The decision can be inspected in the planning department's file and becomes effective per local procedures once the council/administrative processing is complete.
