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Flagler County board approves 2‑foot front‑yard fence variance after dispute over razor wire
Summary
The Flagler County Planning and Development Board on June 10 approved a 2‑foot variance to allow a 6‑foot fence at 2519 Sandalwood Lane, imposing a condition that future roadway widening that reduces sight‑distance below 20 feet will void the variance; the approval followed public allegations that razor wire had briefly been installed and the applicant’s denial.
The Flagler County Planning and Development Board voted June 10 to grant a 2‑foot variance from the four‑foot maximum fence height in front and street‑side setbacks at 2519 Sandalwood Lane, a corner lot in the Daytona North subdivision, with a condition tying the variance to future roadway dimensions.
Planner Simone Kenny told the board staff found the fence was built without a permit after a final inspection flagged a 6‑foot metal fence and that the owners submitted the variance request after applying for a fence permit. Staff said the corner lot’s configuration and the presence of a school bus stop nearby increase the owners’ burden and recommended approval subject to a requirement that any future widening of Hibiscus Street or Sandalwood Lane that creates less than 20 feet between fence and roadway edge will void the variance and require compliance.
Owner Maria Schleicher said the family had installed “no trespassing” signs and cleared brush because the property had been used as a cut‑through and that they feared trespassing and littering; co‑owner Anthony Bunnell said the family intends to add a pool later and sought the fence for privacy and safety. “I just wanted to say thank you for allowing us to come and plead our case,” Schleicher said.
Resident Victoria Gambino of 6582 Hibiscus Street testified that she had seen razor wire installed outside the fence after construction and said it remained about a month before being removed. “It was razor wire. I saw it myself,” Gambino said, adding she was concerned because children and animals pass the corner frequently. The applicants denied installing razor wire; the applicant said no barbed or razor wire is present, and staff clarified such wire is not permitted in residential districts.
Board members discussed the sight‑triangle rule (LDC §3.02.0.05), staff measurements showing the fence is currently farther than the 20‑foot standard from the paved roadway edge, and the potential for future road widening. After questions and a motion, the board approved the variance; the chair announced unanimous approval.
The variance approval requires the owners to submit a fence permit and complies with staff‑recommended limitations; if future right‑of‑way widening reduces the clearance below 20 feet the variance will be voided and the fence must be brought into compliance or enforcement action may follow.
