Planning Commission backs Modern Woodmen request for 8-foot metal fence at 1701 1st Avenue

The Rock Island Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend City Council approve a variance allowing Modern Woodmen to install an 8-foot metal fence along the trail at 1701 1st Avenue.

Community Development staff told the commission the city’s zoning ordinance limits side and rear yard fences to 6 feet, and that the applicant requested an exception to install an 8-foot metal fence. Eunice, a Community Development planner, said staff found two of the three variance criteria in Article 8, section 6(a) were met: portions of the property already have 8-foot fencing and the proposed fence would not alter the character of the neighborhood. Eunice recommended the commission forward approval to City Council.

Applicant Tim Fanella, facility manager at Modern Woodmen, said the company intends to replace a 4-foot black chain-link fence that runs along the railroad/bike path with an 8-foot chain-link fence to address security and employee-safety concerns. "We're just replacing that with an 8 foot chain link fence," Fanella said.

Several commissioners asked whether the variance should be limited to metal chain-link material, noting that a future change to a solid wood or vinyl fence would alter the trail's character. Eunice said the analysis and the applicant's request contemplate a metal fence and that the commission could add a stipulation specifying material.

A commissioner moved to approve staff’s recommendation with the insertion of the word "metal" so the recommendation would read that the commission forward approval for a metal fence; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call, with seven ayes and no nays. The commission recorded that the item will go to City Council on the 23rd for final action.

The commission’s action is a recommendation to council; final approval and any material or plan details will be decided at the City Council hearing.