Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs Planning Commission to draft fence‑standards amendment, flags gate visibility and screening issues
Summary
Council asked the Planning Commission to pursue a code amendment that could allow decorative solid walls in front yards subject to conditions; members asked staff to address typos, consistent screening timelines, and public‑safety visibility through gates.
La Habra Heights — The City Council on April 13 authorized the Planning Commission to proceed with drafting a code amendment to allow decorative solid walls up to six feet in front‑yard setbacks under a minor‑exception process, while asking staff and the commission to tighten language addressing gates and screening timelines.
Staff reviewed the commission’s draft language, which would allow decorative, stuccoed or stone‑veneered walls with decorative caps and landscaping, require a minimum setback from pavement (nine feet) and ask for planting and screening to reach a stated percentage of coverage within a defined period. Council members identified typographical inconsistencies in the draft (references to "less than 6 ft" vs. "6 ft or less" and inconsistent screening timeframes) and asked staff to standardize the wording.
Public‑safety concerns led council members to ask that gates include a visible portion so sheriff’s personnel can see into a property and that emergency‑access considerations be addressed; the fire department noted it uses Knox‑style access for gated entries, while the sheriff does not have that access. Members also discussed chain‑link fencing (cost, appearance and zinc runoff) and requested the Planning Commission consider materials and water‑quality impacts.
The council’s action was to return the item to the Planning Commission for formal drafting and public review rather than adopt ordinance language at this meeting.
What happens next: The Planning Commission will prepare final code language, address council edits (gate visibility, consistent heights and screening timelines) and return a formal ordinance for public hearings and final council consideration.
