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Hobart redevelopment board tables two zoning items, tells resident to obtain survey before front-yard fence
Summary
At its March 5 meeting the Hobart City Redevelopment Authority tabled one zoning application, removed another from the agenda and discussed a front-yard fence variance request from applicant Kathleen Tellez, advising her to obtain a property survey and consult the building department rather than granting a front-yard fence variance.
The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority on March 5 approved its minutes and an amended agenda, tabled application 25-12 until the applicant’s city-court matter is resolved, and removed application 25-17 from the agenda after staff said the applicant had not completed required public notification.
The authority then heard from applicant Kathleen Tellez, who asked to install a fence at her Garfield Street property to give “my two little dogs” an enclosed area. Tellez said she wanted a fence that would extend toward the front of the house and run to the alley, and showed illustrative images of the proposed layout.
The board declined to approve a front-yard fence as presented, citing the city’s fence ordinance and concerns about setting precedent. Chair said the board could not allow a front-yard fence in the typical case “because if we allow you to do that, then we’re setting precedent,” a point echoed by other members who noted that previous front-yard fences were generally grandfathered from before the ordinance took effect.
Members explained the ordinance — adopted in the early 1980s, they said — generally prohibits fences in front yards except in narrow cases tied to lot configuration. Committee member (speaker 3) said exceptions have typically been granted only where the land’s layout, not a homeowner’s financial or health situation, produced an extraordinary circumstance that made a front fence appropriate.
Board members and staff discussed alternatives that would increase usable space for pets without allowing a full front-yard fence to the curb. Those alternatives included adding a pedestrian (“man”) door on the garage to access an existing side area or placing a fence up to the front corner of the house (rather than to the property line) to create a secure yard while maintaining the ordinance’s intent.
Staff advised the applicant that a certified property survey is required to establish precise property lines and setback measurements. The authority and staff directed Tellez to take a survey to the building department and work with staff to determine what fencing could be permitted; staff said they could assist in clarifying allowable placement and required documentation. No variance was approved at the meeting.
The meeting concluded after the authority handled the remaining procedural items and adjourned.
