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Planning Commission recommends disapproval of 8‑foot fence at 4113 Hammons Ferry
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended disapproval of a major PUD revision that would allow an 8‑foot fence at 4113 Hammons Ferry in the Jones Creek planned unit development, citing lack of permits, HOA design review denial and county code standards; the applicant said HOA delays and inconsistent past practices complicated the case.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend disapproval of a major PUD revision that would allow an 8‑foot fence at 4113 Hammons Ferry in the Jones Creek planned unit development. Staff told commissioners the fence was installed without county permits or HOA design‑review approval and measured near 8 feet — taller than the six‑foot limit typically allowed in similar residential locations.
Magnus, a county staff member presenting the case, said county code enforcement measured the installation and recommended disapproval. Magnus also told the commission the applicant must record an easement‑encroachment agreement for a retaining wall on the opposite side of the property regardless of the fence decision.
An individual who identified himself at the hearing as Ahmad Sheikh said he was representing the owner in Tripp Nanny’s absence and asked the commission to consider that other homes in Jones Creek have been granted exceptions. Sheikh told commissioners the HOA had not provided documentation of past approvals and that the HOA’s recent correspondence reiterated its refusal to grant a design‑review exception.
Staff emphasized the county ordinarily weighs HOA design‑review determinations as public input and said it is rare to rule contrary to HOA standards. The commission made a motion to disapprove the PUD revision and the chair called the voice vote "Carried." The disapproval will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on Sept. 3.
What happens next: the commission’s recommendation will be part of the Board of Commissioners’ agenda for final action; staff noted the applicant still must record the easement‑encroachment agreement for the retaining wall whether the PUD revision proceeds or not.
