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Commission recommends council deny appeal for 8‑foot backyard fence at 22011 4th Ave SE
Summary
Planning staff and commissioners considered an appeal by a homeowner seeking an 8‑foot fence where code limits residential fences to 6 feet. The commission voted 7–1 to recommend the City Council deny the 8‑foot request; the homeowner was not present and may return with a revised plan.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend the City Council deny an appeal seeking permission to install an 8‑foot wooden privacy fence at a single‑family property on 4th Avenue SE. Planning staff explained the appeal and site context, saying the homeowner requested an 8‑foot fence to gain privacy above a neighboring lot and because of concerns about neighbor dogs; the owner was not at the hearing.
Staff told commissioners the property is zoned R1 and that city code limits fences along lot lines to 6 feet; an 8‑foot fence would exceed that limit and require a building permit if approved. Staff also noted that the neighborhood contains a mix of fence types and that there had been no responses to the notice since fence appeals are not mailed like variances.
Commissioners discussed precedent and neighborhood character. One commissioner noted that approving an 8‑foot fence as a regular practice could make later denials harder without a clear distinguishing reason. Commissioner Burroughs moved to recommend denial of the 8‑foot fence appeal; Commissioner Norman seconded. The motion carried 7–1. Staff said the homeowner may return with a modified request (for example, 8 feet in the rear and 6 feet on the sides) or pursue a building permit for a 6‑foot fence, which is allowed without further approvals.
The planning commission’s action is a recommendation to the City Council, which will consider the appeal and any revised plans or conditions.
