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Contentious Gilpin County fence‑height variance hearing draws allegations and remains open
Summary
A long Board of Adjustment hearing on a disputed after‑the‑fact fence extension in Gilpin County drew competing claims from the applicant and a neighboring property owner. Staff recommended denial; the applicant argued topographic and safety needs. The hearing was open for public comment at transcript end.
The Gilpin County Board of Adjustment heard extended testimony on BOA‑25‑6 on April 14, 2026, a variance request seeking after‑the‑fact approval for a vertical extension on an existing privacy fence, and left the hearing open after multiple public speakers.
Community Development Director Jamie Bole told commissioners the permit (BLG239) had been issued for an 8‑foot fence but subsequent inspections and a neighbor complaint found vertical wooden extensions that raised part of the fence to roughly 12 feet across about 52.6 feet. Staff measured the fence, examined topography and a raised earthen burm on the adjacent parcel, and concluded that the vertical extension largely could not be justified by on‑site physical conditions. Bole said staff "does not recommend approval of the request," noting the county's criteria require an exceptional, property‑specific physical condition to grant a variance.
The applicant, owner Chris (Kristen) McFarland, and her attorney Harmon Zookerman disputed…
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