Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Text Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission backs text amendment to codify Hampshire fence regulations, agrees to 7-foot residential maximum
Summary
Staff presented a text amendment to codify fence rules in the Hampshire zoning ordinance (new sections on general requirements, prohibited fences and heights). Commissioners agreed to amend the proposed residential maximum to 7 feet, added a prohibition on snow/silt fencing except during construction or snow events, and recommended approval with changes noted.
Staff presented proposed text amendments to chapter 6, article 3 of the Hampshire zoning ordinance to clarify fence regulations. The changes presented would add a new section addressing general fence requirements, prohibited fence types and gates, and maximum allowed heights by district.
Staff said the current code is "ambiguous and very silent" on fence regulations and proposed a structure that would require fences between nonresidential and residential properties, set maximum heights (staff proposed 6 feet for single-family residential, up to 10 feet for nonresidential/multifamily), and list prohibited fence types and gate standards. Staff also proposed rules for dumpster and enclosure screening.
Commissioners discussed the draft language and practical concerns. One commissioner said the 6-foot limit is an industry standard but asked that the commission consider a 7-foot allowance in certain residential cases. Commissioners also asked staff to explicitly prohibit snow or silt fencing except during construction or snow-control seasons; staff agreed to add that language. Following discussion the commission agreed to change section d1 to 7 feet and moved to recommend approval of the text amendment "with changes noted."
The motion passed after a vote; staff said the revisions would be incorporated and returned in the record for final processing.
