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Zoning board denies riverside fence variance sought to keep neighbor's dog out
Summary
Beaufort County's Zoning Board of Appeals denied a request to place fence posts inside a 50-foot river buffer after staff said the applicant had not shown the required hardship and board members raised concerns about impacts to the buffer.
Dylan Shaw, operations manager for Superior Fence and Rail, told the zoning board the Gunters want two fence posts installed inside a 50-foot river buffer to secure their yard and prevent incursions from a neighbor's Rottweiler. Shaw said the installation would be minimally invasive and would stop trespassing and safety risks.
County planning staff recommended disapproval. A staff representative said the river buffer —doesn't allow for these type of things,— arguing the applicant had not shown the extraordinary and exceptional conditions required for a variance and that a fence in the buffer would harm the natural flow and habitat for flora and fauna.
Homeowner Walter Gunner described repeated encounters with the neighbor's dog and said the animal often jumps his 4-foot fence. ——If we get anywhere near that property line, that dog goes crazy,—— Gunner said, describing concerns for family safety and access to his fruit trees.
Board members asked whether alternatives existed, including placing a fence across the rear yard rather than along the buffer line; the applicant said that would require removing more vegetation and would create a compound-like enclosure. Staff also stated it would investigate an apparently existing fence on the neighboring property that lies in the buffer.
After discussion the board voted to deny the variance for the fence. The Chair announced the application was denied following a motion and second. The board closed public comment on the item before moving to the next agenda matter.
