Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Fence topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors’ complaints on noise and nonconforming fencing lead commission to table Martell Drive pool request
Summary
The commission tabled a pool-and-fence application at 355 Martell Drive after neighbors raised noise and screening concerns and commissioners requested decibel measurements, a detailed fence plan and written neighbor agreements.
The Planning Commission voted to table a proposed pool and side-yard fence at 355 Martell Drive on July 14, citing unresolved questions about existing nonconforming fencing, loud standby generator noise and the need for additional details from the applicant.
Jill Bame of Giffels Webster presented the site plan, which places a portion of the pool and fence in an ordinance-defined side yard. HRC engineer Leah Michaels said the applicant proposed leaching basins for onsite drainage and that engineering review found the stormwater measures adequate for the modest addition. Applicant representative Alan Eisember (Nowak & Fraus) described how the new ornamental metal fence would tie into neighboring fencing and screen mechanical equipment.
Several commissioners and nearby residents, however, said a plastic/fiberglass fence and multiple pieces of mechanical equipment already on the lot appear to be nonconforming. Neighbors testified they observed recent landscaping that removed sound-absorbing vegetation, described late-night work and said the property’s generator registers very loud noise that reverberates off the plastic fence.
Commissioners asked administration to measure the generator decibel level and recommended the applicant consider noise suppression and different screening materials. Commissioner (speaker 10) moved to table the application pending: an as-built and precise fence plan showing locations and materials; measurement of generator and cumulative equipment decibel levels; removal of the nonconforming plastic/tan fence or replacement with compliant fencing; a detailed landscaping/screening plan; and written neighbor consent for tying into adjacent fences (with an agreement that the applicant will replace ties if neighbors later remove their fence segments). The motion carried by voice vote.
The commission’s action leaves the application pending; staff will conduct noise checks and the applicant may return with revised drawings and neighbor agreements addressing the conditions.
