Merrimac moves to raise fence heights and reduce minimum home size; public hearing set July 8

The Village of Merrimac is advancing two zoning changes recommended by the Plan Commission: an update to the fence and hedges ordinance and a reduction in minimum principal building size for residential zones.

At its June 2 meeting the Plan Commission reviewed a draft amendment to Ordinance §185-50 (Fences & Hedges) and voted to recommend allowing fences up to six feet tall in back and side yards and up to four feet in front or corner side yards. The same meeting produced recommendations to lower the minimum livable principal building size from 1,200 square feet to 900 square feet (excluding attached garages, porches and decks) for R-1 Single-Family, R-2 Single- and Two-Family, and R-2 Multifamily districts.

The Village Board accepted the Plan Commission’s recommendations at its June 10 meeting and approved the draft resolution amending fence heights and the recommendation to amend minimum principal building square footage, with a public hearing on the proposed zoning amendments scheduled for July 8, 2025. Board members encouraged residents to attend that hearing to comment on the changes.

If adopted after public input and formal Board action, the changes would (1) adjust permitted fence heights in residential lots and (2) reduce the minimum livable square footage required for principal buildings in several residential districts from 1,200 to 900 sq ft.

The Board’s acceptance at this stage is a recommendation to proceed to a public hearing and formal ordinance adoption process; no final ordinance was adopted at the June meeting.