Commissioners approve fence-height variance with 10-foot cap at 1865 Thompson Ave

The East Point Planning and Zoning Commission on July 16 approved a variance allowing a taller backyard fence at 1865 Thompson Ave, but imposed a 10-foot maximum height as a special condition.

Applicant Amanda Brody told the commission she originally sought "up to 20 feet," citing privacy, repeated coyote intrusions and sightlines from higher neighboring lots. A neighbor, Keisha Chapman, spoke in favor, calling Brody’s design "very pretty." Staff had recommended denial, saying "no hardship" was demonstrated and noting the request represented a 14-foot increase over the city’s 6-foot residential fence standard under section 10-20-27.9(d).

Commissioners pressed the applicant for specifics on height, neighborhood uniformity and alternative measures. Brody said she would accept a lower height, telling the commission she could "forego the pergola" and that "16 would do the trick" for privacy. Commissioners also discussed ornamentation rules that permit up to three additional feet for columns or decorative features; staff clarified there is no separate limit on tree height but that ornamental allowances apply to pergolas or similar structures.

Commissioner Presley offered a substitute motion to approve a 16-foot maximum. That substitute failed on roll call. The main motion — approval with a 10-foot cap — passed by a 4–3 vote. The chair announced, "The ayes have it," and the commission recorded the case as approved with the special condition that the fence not exceed 10 feet.

After the vote, Brody asked about an appeals process; the chair said that there was no appeals information available that evening.

The decision reverses staff’s recommendation and grants the property owner a limited variance tied to the 10-foot cap. Any implementation details or permit requirements will follow the city’s standard permitting procedures.