Board approves 6-foot fence variance at 2529 Horsham Drive to secure yard for child

The Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals on the December agenda approved a variance to allow a portion of a 6-foot fence in the front-yard setback at 2529 Horsham Drive.

Staff said the corner lot's unusual "cove" geometry and topography constrain a straight-line fence and noted the variance area would extend roughly 7–8 feet into the required setback. "You can see that probably at that deepest area it's right around 7, 8 feet," the city's presenting staff explained during the packet review.

The applicant, Steven Signago of 2529 Horsham Drive, said the fence is intended to create a secure yard for his child. "I have a child with Down syndrome ... and he needs a safe place to be," Signago told the board, and he said Make‑A‑Wish and supporters from Dogwood Elementary had helped raise funds for the project.

A Dogwood Elementary special education teacher, Catherine Brown, testified in support: she said the school had raised money for play equipment and urged the board to approve the family's request so the child would have a safe place to play.

Board members who voted in favor cited the lot's exceptional shape and the manner in which the fence will attach to a retaining wall. One member said, "I just wanna comment that, I think the owners have done a great job of trying to mitigate the challenges that they have with their property for the good of their child." The motion to approve was moved and seconded and the board recorded unanimous approval.

Staff noted that, if approved, the applicant must apply for the required fence permit and follow conditions and site plans included in the staff report. The board recorded the motion as approved for "peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties" related to lot shape and topography.