Board of Adjustment approves variance to allow 7-foot fence at Trinity Christian School

The City of Prescott Board of Adjustment on June 18 approved variance V26-007 to allow a 7-foot fence in side and rear setback areas at Trinity Christian School, 1212 Warrior Way.

Jacob Lund, community planner for the City of Prescott, told the board the property lies in the Depot Ranch specially planned community (SPC) zoning and that most of the site is compliant with the land development code except for a few areas where the proposed 7-foot fence encroaches into the 10-foot side setbacks. Lund said staff reviewed the request under the LDC variance criteria and noted that school fences in the area commonly range from 6 to 8 feet.

Michael Taylor, representing the applicant, said the primary reason for the 7-foot sections is student safety and campus consistency. Taylor noted existing 7-foot fencing already surrounds basketball courts and that an easement for a road/fire access pushed the fence line to the property edge in one location, constraining placement.

Board members discussed whether the 7-foot height was typical for area schools and whether the fence was existing in all locations. Lund said public (district) schools often are treated differently under zoning, but in practice nearby school fences range from 6 to 8 feet. After brief discussion, a board member moved to approve V26-007 per the site plan; Larry Meade seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

The variance approval applies only as shown on the approved site plan. No additional conditions or changes to the school’s building heights or uses were recorded in the action. The approval does not alter other code requirements or future permits that may be required for construction.

The Board of Adjustment then moved on to other agenda items.