Council approves inward-facing fence variance at 124 Gable Rd. after public hearing

The Brooks Town Council voted unanimously to approve a variance allowing the finished boards of a new privacy fence at 124 Gable Rd. to face inward, the council confirmed at its April 20 meeting.

Mayor Dan Langford opened a public hearing at 6:34 p.m. during which Town Manager M. Ungaro said the applicant had a permit to install a 6-foot privacy fence along side and rear property lines and a 4-foot fence in front. Ungaro told the council the contractor was prohibited from stepping onto neighboring properties during installation, so the finished boards were placed facing inward and the applicant is requesting a variance to accommodate that construction constraint.

Several neighbors spoke during the public comment period. M. Murphy of 994 Hwy 85 Connector said she had no objection and noted her property has no-trespassing signs. B. Allen of 128 Julias Crossing said she had not noticed the orientation. J. Harris of 968 Hwy 85 Connector said the owners did not speak with neighbors before construction, alleged removal of a tree on their property, and said the applicants had not been compliant since building their home. Resident C. Fleming asked what practical difference the orientation makes; Ungaro replied, “it is an appearance issue, but it is a sound fence with the finished boards facing either way.” S. Ventriglia of 973 Hwy 85 Connector said she had “witnessed the love, care, and beauty shown during the construction of this home,” while adding there were other aesthetic concerns beyond the fence.

The owners of 124 Gable Rd. told the council they had been harassed and received “over forty complaints,” and said they had attempted to comply with Fayette County and Town of Brooks zoning regulations but were unable to allow contractors to access neighboring properties. Ungaro also noted that a permit remains active for a triangular portion of the lot currently protected by silt fencing; the variance, if approved, would cover the portion of the fence yet to be installed.

With no further questions from council members, Council Member Bishop Watts moved to approve the variance; Council Member Sara Nelson seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to approve the request.

The decision resolves the immediate installation issue but does not alter the town’s fence standards; the council did not impose additional conditions during the vote. The public hearing opened at 6:34 p.m. and closed at 6:48 p.m.