Fraser council directs attorney to draft corner-lot privacy fence ordinance

Lauren S., the city planner with McKenna, told the council the amendment responds to increased requests for privacy (six-foot) fences on corner lots and aims to preserve sight lines at intersections while giving residents more usable yard area. "Privacy screens on residentially zoned or used corner lots are permitted, provided they do not extend beyond the front building line of the property in which they are placed," Lauren said, outlining the draft language and diagrams presented to council.

Council members focused questions on how the change would affect existing fences. Council member Shornack asked whether homeowners with older fences would be required to move them; the attorney advised that "lawful nonconforming" fences that were properly approved in the past would remain permitted, while illegal installations would be addressed case by case. Members also discussed the common 50% reconstruction rule that governs when a nonconforming structure must be brought into compliance.

The council favored the option that allows the fence to extend past the front building line of the lot on which it is installed (referred to in the presentation materials as the ‘blue’ option) and requested a driveway clear‑vision provision to prevent blocking sight lines when vehicles back from neighbor driveways. Council member Baransky moved and Council member Shornack seconded a motion to "direct administration to prepare an ordinance consistent with the recommendation of the city planner this evening." The motion passed.

The direction authorizes the city attorney to draft ordinance language for adoption at a future meeting. The planner said the change will be moved into the zoning ordinance during the larger zoning update process; council indicated it expects the draft to return at the next meeting for formal adoption consideration.