Commissioners review variance request for 8-foot fence at 806 S. Loop 12 amid TxDOT right-of-way loss

Haley, planning staff, told the commission the applicant at 806 South Loop 12 seeks a variance from Section 33(a)(2) of the Unified Development Code to allow an 8-foot solid metal fence within the required 30-foot front-yard setback after a TxDOT right-of-way acquisition reduced the lot.

The request followed removal of an older chain-link fence (in place since before 2001) that must be rebuilt closer to the property line. Haley said staff’s review finds the application does not meet the criteria for a variance under the city’s FIDS ordinance; public comments included one support form and none in opposition.

Commissioners questioned sight-line and queuing impacts for the single access point on the frontage road and asked that the applicant ensure the motorized gate either slides or opens into the property. Transportation staff said they will verify sight-line requirements against the access-management manual and that the 2.5-foot offsets shown are intended to address those concerns.

A commissioner raised the presence of barbed wire on existing fences and asked whether the commission can restrict barbed wire if it approves the variance. Staff cited the fence ordinance: when a fence is at least 6 feet tall, barbed wire may be placed on top and typically is not counted in the fence’s measured height; the city’s code caps overall fence height at 10 feet, which effectively allows an 8-foot fence plus up to 2 feet of barbed wire.

The case remains in the hearing stage; staff noted the applicant was not present and that the commission would consider the matter again when the applicant is available to answer questions about security measures and final gate design.