Planning board recommends fence-code changes for River Drive and Victory Drive districts

The Town of Thunderbolt Planning & Zoning Board on June 17 recommended two text changes affecting the town's fence standards.

Town Attorney Charlie Barrow told the board the first change, applicable in the River Drive and Victory Drive districts, adds a missing sentence to the packet text and requires that all fences in those districts be constructed of commercial-grade material; the proposed change also removes vinyl fencing from the list of prohibited materials. Commissioner Andrew Chivers moved to accept the text changes; Commissioner Patricia Holland seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Barrow presented a second proposed change that is already in the Construction Ordinance but that Council would appreciate seeing recommended by the board: language that the "good side" of the fence should face outward. Commissioner John Mattingly moved to accept that change; Commissioner Andrew Chivers seconded and the recommendation passed unanimously. Barrow noted the second change did not strictly require board approval but that Council would welcome the recommendation.

Why it matters: the changes alter local expectations about acceptable fence materials and appearance in two named districts, potentially affecting property owners' choices and enforcement by the town. Board members approved both recommendations without recorded dissent.

Next steps: the recommendations will be forwarded to Town Council for consideration, per the Town Attorney's note that Council review is customary for some ordinance text changes.