Fredonia commissioners approve fence permit request for 137 Edmaro Street

The Fredonia Planning Commission approved a fence permit application for property identified in the agenda as belonging to Monre Ortiz at 137 Edmaro Street.

Administrator Jenkins summarized the application and the village's fence ordinance, saying the code explicitly allows a set list of residential fence types ("split rail, dog ear, shadow box, rod iron picket, chain link, slats, vinyl, or aluminum fences") and that a cattle-panel (agricultural-style) fence is not a permitted type under the ordinance as written. Jenkins said the building inspector could not approve the application as submitted because it does not meet the listed fence types.

The applicant — who did not state a name while speaking on the record — told the commission the fence would be four feet tall and sited inside hedges to minimize visibility from the street. Commissioners asked about maintenance access, the durability and removability of the proposed cattle-panel material, and whether the hedges provided a sufficient visual buffer. After discussion Commissioner Weiland moved "to move the fence as presented," a motion that was seconded and approved.

Commissioners and staff said the approved action will be passed to the building inspector for final permitting and that the applicant should obtain any required park permits if the project encroaches on public land. The transcript records the vote as in favor with no opposition or abstentions.

Next steps: building inspector review and issuance of permit if the installation conforms to the ordinance and does not encroach on public property.