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Commission discusses front-yard fence-height rule; staff to research rationale and alternatives
Summary
Commissioners reviewed fence rules that limit front-yard fences to 4 feet if started at the front of a structure and allow 6-foot fences if started at the back of the structure; they asked staff to research the ordinance's rationale and examples from other communities.
Planning staff summarized existing fence rules and commissioners discussed whether the current approach—measuring from the front of a structure so front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet while fences that begin at the back of a structure can reach 6 feet—still serves neighborhood character and safety.
Staff (Staff member, Speaker 3) explained the code language and said the rule is longstanding: "it can be 6 feet if you start your fence line at the back of your structure going back towards your property line... It can only be 4 feet if you start it from the front of your structure until you hit where the back of the structure would be." Commissioners noted corner-lot sightline rules and curb appeal as the rationale and asked staff to research other municipalities' approaches and the original rationale for the rule. No change was adopted; staff will report back with findings and recommendations.
