Macedonia planning commission tables request for 6-foot subdivision fence after debate over code and aesthetics

The Macedonia Planning Commission continued consideration of a proposed six-foot privacy fence along Valley View Road after an extended exchange among the applicant, planning staff and commissioners over how the proposal fits the city code and whether landscaping or a different fence style would better suit the corridor.

A presenter for the subdivision described a proposed 6-foot vinyl privacy fence located in common area along Valley View Road, saying it would run roughly 527 feet and provide privacy and security for adjacent rear yards. The presenter said the applicant was willing to change the fence color from white to brown and argued the vinyl solid fence matched materials used elsewhere in nearby developments.

Staff member reviewed Macedonia code language and told the commission the code distinguishes privacy fences, stockade fences and open fences and that some solid fences must allow air and light. "Privacy fences may be solid," the staff member said, "but examples of solid fences require a percentage of air and light." Staff questioned whether the applicant’s proposal constituted the prohibited stockade style (solid with no air or light openings) and noted the yard classification (front or rear) would affect whether the commission could approve the fence without a variance.

Commissioners and other speakers raised aesthetic and maintenance concerns about long stretches of vinyl privacy fencing facing Valley View Road, saying white or faded fencing can degrade the corridor and be costly to maintain. Several commissioners suggested alternatives — heavy landscaping, masonry columns at entrances, or an open black wrought-iron fence paired with trees — that could provide both privacy and a more attractive frontage.

Staff advised that a board-on-board privacy fence is recognized by the code as a type of privacy fence but that if the fence is located in a front yard the applicant would need a variance; the board of zoning appeals would ultimately consider such an appeal. Following discussion, the commission opted to table/continue the item to a date certain to allow the applicant to present a version addressing board concerns (board-on-board or additional landscaping) and to clarify the yard determination and any variance path. The transcript does not record a final vote tally or the continuance date in the excerpt provided.

What it means: The applicant may revise the proposal or seek a variance; the commission signaled preference for solutions that reduce visual impact on Valley View Road, such as landscaping or open fencing, rather than a solid stockade-style barrier.