Residents and church seek fence deviation for Oviedo Cemetery; staff says application under review

Rex Klontz, a member of the Church of Oviedo, asked the Local Planning Agency on May 19 for permission to erect a commercial-grade black anodized chain picket fence around Oviedo Cemetery to discourage parking on graves and to define entrances with brick columns.

Klontz said the cemetery has large oak trees near the road and that a required 2-foot setback from the property line would force the fence through trees and gravesites. "We're asking for permission to be able to put our fence up on the edge of the property line," he said, adding the fence would not be locked and would sit about 15 feet back from the road but proposed to be on the property line to avoid damaging specimen oaks.

A staff member said the deviation application is under review and that the applicant is working with staff to resolve rights-of-way and other comments; the staff representative said the deviation will come before the board for formal consideration. "There's a process for the deviation," the staff member said, and that staff has been discussing requirements with the applicant.

The Chair noted the agency cannot prejudge a pending deviation application at this meeting and that the matter will return for consideration after staff review. The Chair also asked staff and the applicant to try to keep the fence off the city right-of-way where possible to avoid impacts to street trees and public property.

No formal action was taken at the May 19 meeting; staff listed outstanding comments and indicated they will continue work with the applicant prior to the pending hearing.