Zoning board approves 8‑foot fence to secure retention pond at Harrisburg fire training site

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board on Feb. 23 approved a variance allowing an 8‑foot fence around a retention pond at 3300 North Cameron Street, a pond associated with the city’s fire training academy.

Planning director Mr. Knight summarized the application, telling the board the pond is relatively deep and not highly visible from the public right‑of‑way, and that existing stretches of 8‑foot fencing already border the pond’s eastern and southern edges. He said those site conditions and the retention pond’s depth provide sufficient justification to exceed the 6‑foot maximum permitted by right in the INS district to prevent unauthorized access and reduce liability.

Mike Deeporta, identified as the director of construction for Harrisburg Area Community College and the applicant’s representative, said the pond sits near a green trail used by families and bicyclists and described the 8‑foot fence as necessary to keep people — and especially children — away from the water. He added the fire training academy requested a 4‑foot section in one place so crews can more easily deploy hoses during drills.

A board member asked about pest control in summer and Deeporta responded that pond water is actively moved during training operations and that the fence will be set back from the pond edge to allow staff to clear overgrowth and maintain the area.

A board member moved to grant the variance; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The board chair said a written decision will be issued to the applicant within 45 days.

The approval carries the planning commission’s observations on operational impacts and visibility; the board may adopt the planning bureau’s recommended condition to require an 8‑foot fence around the entire perimeter or omit the 4‑foot section if it determines operational needs justify that exception.