Homeowners seek major deviation for six-foot fence on Gordon Avenue corner lot

Property owners Christie and Rick Mahome described replacing a sagging, storm-damaged fence with a new six-foot fence and landscaping on their corner lot at 931 Gordon Avenue. They said they applied for a permit but initially filed it as a minor deviation and later learned the correct application was for a major deviation because the corner lot has two front yards and different setback rules.

"We replaced the fence… we were cited for having an unpermitted structure," Christie said, explaining they had not realized the previous fence’s history and that they secured neighbor support after notifying residents by postcard. She said the gate swings inward and mirrors were placed to improve visibility.

Planner(s) and board members asked questions about vision triangles, gate swing, driveway sightlines and whether the applicant has engineering sign-off; the applicants said they had submitted materials and were awaiting the planner’s second review. Staff noted that an unpermitted replacement does not make a structure legal and emphasized the major-deviation standards and landscape/setback expectations.

Why it matters: The planning commission must determine if the requested major deviation (two-frontage corner lot) meets code standards for safety and neighborhood compatibility. The board and neighbors expressed both sympathy for the safety and aesthetics claimed by the homeowners and concern about code compliance and public-safety sightlines.

What’s next: The homeowners will return to Planning Commission on July 1; the board’s input will be included in the record.