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Victoria council adopts fence‑height ordinance changes to allow limited 6‑foot front‑yard fences
Summary
The council adopted amendments to zoning code section 18‑9 to allow limited exceptions for 6‑foot front‑yard fences in narrowly defined circumstances, after debate on safety, sight‑lines and whether cases should be handled by variance instead.
The City of Victoria council adopted an amendment to the zoning code (Ordinance 490 ZC, section 18‑9) on July 13 that allows limited exceptions to the 4‑foot front‑yard fence height limit, permitting 6‑foot fences under specific conditions.
Associate Planner Travis Brierley explained three narrow changes presented to council: allowing a 6‑foot gate structure where a gate crosses a driveway (the supporting structure can exceed 4 feet); permitting 6‑foot fences adjacent to non‑residential streets and certain county roads with speed limits of 40 mph or greater; and allowing height exceptions in locations that functionally resemble side or rear yards. Brierley repeatedly emphasized that the change affects height only; setbacks, design requirements and safety (intersection sight lines) remain enforceable and staff will continue to deny fences that create hazards.
Council members expressed differing views. Some argued the changes respond to real property situations (for example, lots that face higher‑speed county roads) and provide a consistent code path for privacy and safety; others urged using the existing variance process to resolve special cases and cautioned against opening broad exemptions that could change neighborhood character. Brierley and legal staff said administrative review will continue to check sight lines and safety and that the change includes limiting language to reduce unintended applications.
The council voted to adopt the ordinance as amended; the record shows at least one council member opposed. Staff noted the change is administrative in implementation but stressed that safety and sight‑line reviews remain a core part of any permit decision.
What this means: Under the adopted text amendments, some property owners may be eligible to request a 6‑foot front‑yard fence where the code’s specific conditions are met; in all cases, planning staff will review sight lines and safety factors and may deny permits that create hazards.
