Commissioners consider easing survey burden and clarifying entrance‑wall standards in fence ordinance update

Planning staff reviewed proposed updates to the township fence, wall and border language, noting the current ordinance has reduced variance requests since adoption two years ago but that the survey requirement has proved burdensome for some homeowners. Staff recommended offering either (1) a licensed survey prepared by a surveyor, or (2) a scaled plot plan that identifies corner irons on the property and requires applicants to mark those irons for inspection prior to permit approval.

Patrick explained the scaled‑plan option would require applicants to identify buried corner irons and, if they were marked, building‑division inspectors would verify locations in the field before final inspection; if irons cannot be found, a licensed survey would still be required. On subdivision and condominium entrances, staff proposed allowing the township board to approve walls or decorative fences within front‑yard setbacks via site plan review (rather than a zoning‑board of appeals process) with requirements that entrance walls be in common areas, use brick or stone for walls (or defined decorative fencing), be consistent with the development’s design and meet triangular sight‑distance standards; walls could exceed six feet where consistent with design and safety.

Commissioners asked about township records and whether plot plans/surveys are searchable; staff said many plot plans are available digitally in building and engineering files and staff can assist applicants in locating existing records. Staff said they would bring the car‑wash and fence revisions back and may recommend setting public hearings once follow‑up information is complete.

Next steps: staff to continue outreach, search for plot plans in township records and return with recommended ordinance language or a public‑hearing proposal.