Planning commission recommends approval of 6-foot front-yard fence at 506 West Lester Street

The Winchester City Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation of approval to city council for Conditional Use Permit 24-732, which would allow a 6-foot-tall, fully closed fence in the front yard at 506 West Lester Street.

Staff planner Mr. Davis told commissioners the fence as proposed exceeds the standard front-yard allowance (4 feet in height and at least 25% open under section 8-9-4 of the Winchester zoning ordinance). He said the fence already exists and predates the ordinance but would lose its nonconforming status if it were removed and later rebuilt.

Neighbor Lacey Burnett, who said she lives at 502 West Lester Street, spoke in support. "We both spend a lot of time in our front yards and we really enjoy that privacy," Burnett said, adding the fence protects a young child who plays in the yard.

Commissioner actions: a commissioner moved that the planning commission forward a recommendation of approval to city council on the grounds that the proposal "will not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood." The motion included staff-recommended conditions: (1) installation completed within one year of CUP approval; (2) submission and approval of a fence permit prior to installation; (3) fence shall not exceed 6 feet in height; and (4) any future replacement or change that would exceed ordinance requirements requires a new CUP. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

What happens next: The planning commission's recommendation will be transmitted to Winchester City Council for final action. The county planning liaison and staff noted the application already had building, zoning and engineering review pending a CUP decision.

Sources: Staff presentation by Mr. Davis; public comment from Lacey Burnett; motion and voice vote recorded in the commission meeting.