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Board accepts correction to approval for 7‑foot fence at 3211 W. Ruskin
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals corrected a prior order and approved the 7‑foot fence at 3211 W. Ruskin as built, after staff explained measurement errors tied to topography and neighbors expressed concerns about how the fence reads from the street.
The Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals on April 2 accepted a correction to a previous approval that allows a 7‑foot solid wood fence at 3211 West Ruskin Street to stand "as built." Chair Eric Lowenburg said the earlier order contained a measurement error that did not reflect the fence's height at a low point in the lot.
Department of Public Works staff told the board the original field measurement had been inaccurate and that the topography on one corner causes the fence to appear higher from the street; DPW said the board intended to approve the fence but the order needed correction. Neighbors Jim and Don Pierce said the fence reads as a front‑yard wall and urged the board to require it meet the same visible standards as other fences on the block.
The board discussed the technical nature of fence height measurements — measured from the grade at each point rather than perceived height from the sidewalk — and the limited options for changing existing topography. Board members said the applicant had acted without malicious intent and that the correction was intended to align the written order with what was intended at the prior hearing.
A motion to accept the correction and treat the fence as approved "as built" carried on a voice vote. The board specified that the approval does not authorize the property owner to raise the fence above the currently constructed height.
The decision closes the matter for now; any future change in fence height or configuration would require a new variance application or further review by the board.
