Board of Adjustments approves 8-foot street-side fence variance for Austin homeowner

A City of Austin Board of Adjustments panel voted to grant a variance allowing a homeowner to keep an existing 8‑foot fence along the street side of a corner lot.

Leonard Wynne, who identified himself as living at 6508 High Point Cove, told the board he sought the variance after repeated incidents of people throwing rocks through a street‑facing bedroom window and because his property’s slopes and large tree create conditions that make a 6‑foot fence inadequate. "I'm Leonard Wynne ... and I'm here seeking a variance for an 8 foot fence on the north side which is also the street side of my home," he said.

Board member Von Owen moved to approve the variance, citing the property's topography, the proximity of a large tree that would make a 6‑foot fence easily scalable and the house's exposure to a busy thoroughfare as the unique hardship. Von Owen read required findings into the record describing reasonable use, hardship, and area character, and the board proceeded to a roll-call vote. The chair announced that the applicant's variance was granted.

The board did not indicate that the variance would change the character of the surrounding area or impair neighboring properties, and a board member noted that the house behind the site is vacant and not opposed to the fence. The applicant thanked the board after the motion carried.

Next steps: the board granted the variance at the hearing; the applicant and staff were asked to ensure final paperwork reflects the board's findings and any applicable conditions.