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Board approves six-foot fence variance to deter hunters on vacant parcel near Purchase Street
Summary
The board granted a variance allowing a decorative six-foot fence about 35 feet back from Purchase Street for a 26-acre parcel owned by an LLC associated with Virgil Price, after testimony that hunters had trespassed and set traps. Board members said the vacant, wooded nature of the lot made a fence a defensible mitigation measure.
The Jeff Harrison Zoning Board approved a variance Jan. 9 to allow a six-foot decorative fence on a largely vacant 26-acre parcel owned by an LLC linked to Virgil Price.
David Naidu of K&L Gates, appearing for the applicant, said the property is unoccupied and contains wetlands, ponding and remnant foundations. He told the board that despite no-trespassing signs hunters and trespassers routinely enter the land, set traps and place tree stands; he said the owner seeks a 6-foot slotted decorative fence to deter intruders and reduce the likelihood of injury or liability. Naidu said photographs of traps and hunting gear were available and that a four-foot fence had not prevented intrusion.
Board members asked whether moving the fence farther back from Purchase Street (to the 100-foot buffer) would meet code while reducing visual impact; Naidu replied that pushing the line back would still require a variance and that a visible street-front fence acts as a stronger deterrent. The property manager testified he walks the parcel regularly, removes traps and ladders, and has reported incidents to police.
After discussion about alternatives (cameras, trap removal, enforcement) and the fence’s visual impact, the board voted in favor of the variance. Several members said the site’s size and the documented trespass activity supported the request; at least one member said the fence alone might not fully stop determined trespassers but would reduce casual intrusion. The approved fence was described as slotted and decorative rather than a solid wall; the board’s approval included direction to prepare findings for the record.
The applicant will proceed with conditions in the written findings and follow any additional permitting or setbacks required by the building department.
