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Villa Park council approves 6‑foot front wall at 19120 Valley Drive over neighbor objections
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Summary
The council approved a variance to allow a new 6‑foot masonry wall along the front property line at 19120 Valley Drive, finding unusual lot topography and a pool in the front setback justified an exception; the motion passed 4–0 with Councilwoman Miles abstaining.
The Villa Park City Council approved a homeowner's request to build a 206‑foot, 6‑foot‑tall masonry wall along the front property line at 19120 Valley Drive, despite two letters of opposition from neighbors.
Assistant planner Caden Likens told the council that the property’s irregular lot configuration, steep grade and the presence of a pool in the front setback area justify a variance to the municipal code, which normally limits front‑setback fences to 3.5 feet. Staff recommended approval and cited California Government Code section 65906 as the legal authority that permits variances for properties with unique physical characteristics.
Owner John Burrell spoke in favor of the proposal, describing the wall as a safety and privacy measure to replace an aging chain‑link fence. “We’re trying to replace a probably 90‑year‑old chain link fence, put in a nice 6‑foot‑tall block wall that’s gonna be split face… for safety, protection,” Burrell said.
Several councilmembers pressed for more neighborhood outreach and on‑site review. One councilmember said they were uncomfortable making a decision without visiting the site; the motion to continue for additional site visits failed for lack of a second. Council discussion noted that the applicant had spoken informally to several neighbors but that written signatures were limited.
Councilmember [name withheld per transcript mapping] moved to approve variance 2026‑01; the motion was seconded and passed by a 4–0 vote with Councilwoman Miles abstaining. The staff report noted the variance is categorically exempt under the city’s CEQA exemption for small structures (section 15.303).
Next steps: The variance is approved and the applicant may proceed with building permits consistent with conditions in resolution 2026‑3637. Any building permits or inspections remain subject to standard plan checks and inspections.
Why it matters: The case demonstrates the council’s approach to variances on unusually configured lots and highlights tensions between homeowner privacy, neighborhood aesthetics and municipal process for public notice and neighbor input.
