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Board approves corner-lot fence variance allowing finished side inward on north and east sides
Summary
The Prairie Grove Board approved a variance allowing a homeowner to reverse the finished side of a privacy fence on the north and east sides of his corner lot after the applicant cited an existing barbed wire fence, construction constraints and a need to secure a yard for children and pets. Staff confirmed a permit was in place.
The Prairie Grove Board of Adjustments on Sept. 5 approved a variance allowing a homeowner to place the finished side of a privacy fence facing inward on the north and east sides of a corner lot on Marcel Street, after the applicant said construction was hampered by an existing metal/barbed-wire fence on the neighboring parcel.
Logan Hadley, who said he moved into the new house about a month earlier, told the board the builder had not removed a metal gate and barbed-wire sections that border his lot. Hadley said he needs an enclosed yard for his two young sons and the family dog and that he planned to install a privacy fence that would cost roughly $7,000. “I really want a fence built… I want my boys to be able to go play in the backyard,” Hadley said.
Members discussed precedent concerns about allowing the unfinished side of a fence to face the street or neighboring property and suggested the City Council consider adjusting the ordinance to require the finished side only on street-facing elevations. Board members concluded that the specific site constraints — including an existing steel fence and the lot’s location on the edge of the Copper Hill subdivision phase — warranted granting relief limited to the north and east sides.
A commissioner moved to allow the variance for reversing the finished side on the north and east sides; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff confirmed the applicant already had a building permit and could proceed with construction. The applicant also noted an address discrepancy on the agenda (the agenda listed 762 Marcel Street while he said his address is 761) and the board recorded that clarification in the hearing.
Why it matters: The decision resolves an immediate safety and privacy concern for a new homeowner while prompting a policy conversation about whether the ordinance should be revised to clarify finished-side requirements and avoid future precedent issues.
Next steps: The permit-holder may proceed with construction consistent with the approved variance; commissioners recommended the City Council consider an ordinance review concerning finished-side requirements for fences.
