Planning commission recommends allowing high-quality vinyl fences in single- and two-family zones

The Lebanon Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council consider amending the zoning code to allow high-quality vinyl (PVC) fences in single- and two-family residential zones.

Shannon Wallace, a resident of 131 Cades Bluff in Lebanon, told the commission she recently secured approval for a white vinyl fence from the board of zoning appeals and urged the commission to restore vinyl as an allowed material so other homeowners would not have to appeal. "White vinyl fences are sturdy and easy to clean. They are able to look nice and they last longer," Wallace said, adding that many homeowners associations require white vinyl or otherwise offer only non‑privacy iron options that are not practical for families with children or pets.

Staff said vinyl had been removed as a permitted fence material in the zoning-code update last November and that the proposed amendment would reinstate vinyl with standards intended to address prior problems. "This would be vinyl, PVC fences," a staff member said, explaining the proposal would permit high-quality vinyl in residential zones provided it is a neutral color — white, tan or clay — and is strictly reinforced. Staff said the change is intended to reduce the number of appeals to the board of zoning appeals and to address situations where HOAs limit acceptable fence choices.

Commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation to City Council; the motion passed. The staff presentation indicated the item will be on the City Council public hearing docket on Aug. 4, with first and second readings scheduled Aug. 18.