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Board allows existing 6-foot fence at corner lot, clearing way for construction business use
Summary
The appeals board approved a variance allowing an existing 6-foot fence that projects into front setbacks on a corner Light Industrial lot (Tim Crane) to remain, concluding the site27s shape, right-of-way widths and existing landscaping make strict enforcement unduly restrictive; vote passed 4-1. Supporters included adjacent business owners and a prospective purchaser who plans to site a small construction office.
The appeals board considered a request from Tim Crane to retain a preexisting 6-foot fence that encroaches into front-yard setbacks on a corner LI property. Staff explained screening options under prior nursery use and noted that the construction-business code ordinarily requires an 8-foot opaque privacy fence for outdoor storage yards. Crane and potential purchaser Bert Hewitt, along with neighboring Tract 1 owner, spoke in favor, saying topography, existing plantings and large right-of-way widths reduce visual impact and that the current fence and fabric screening adequately shield the site.
Board members discussed usable site area if the fence were moved back and whether the existing landscaping fulfilled the code27s intent to screen commercial displays from the road. One board member opposed; the motion to approve the variance carried 4-1. The approval included the condition that existing screening and plantings remain and that the site be managed to avoid open visible storage contrary to ordinance expectations. The decision preserves the current screening arrangement to enable potential local construction-related business occupancy while signaling the need to maintain vegetative buffers and site management.
