Council approves 6-foot wooden fence at Merritt Village corner in 4–3 vote

The Rowlett City Council approved a major-warrant on Dec. 16 allowing a homeowner in the Merritt Village form-based-code neighborhood to replace an existing 4-foot wrought-iron corner fence with a 6-foot wooden fence.

Applicant Matthew Henson, the homeowner at 8613 Royal Star Road, told council the taller wooden fence is needed for "security, privacy and precedent," saying he has HOA approval and intends to preserve a 10-by-10 visibility triangle at the alley intersection. Henson told council the request mirrors a prior, similar variance granted at 3108 Bob Lane and said the requested fence would improve home quality and safety for his family.

Opponents, including Allison Felderhof, argued that the form-based-code standard for 4-foot wrought-iron corner fences was designed for public-safety sight lines on narrow streets and that allowing the variance would undercut the neighborhood—s design and create foreseeable safety hazards for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and children. Dan Hapt also spoke in opposition, saying permitting taller corner fences creates a ‘‘wild west—" result where fence height would creep upward.

On council, debate centered on balancing property rights, design consistency and safety. The council motion to approve (moved by a council member who spoke earlier in the meeting) carried on a 4–3 vote. The transcript records Reeves, Winget and Mr. Bowers voting against the motion; the motion passed with the required majority.

What happens next: The applicant—s permit moves forward consistent with the approved warrants; staff and the applicant said they will adhere to the visibility-triangle conditions described at the hearing.