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Coupeville planners recommend 6-foot fence variance at 402 NW Kruger St
Summary
The Coupeville Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of variance VAR-25-001 to allow a 6-foot fence inside the street setback at 402 NW Kruger Street, citing an irregular lot configuration and staff findings that the fence would not unduly harm traffic safety.
The Coupeville Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 19, 2025 to recommend that the Town Council approve variance VAR-25-001, which would allow a 6-foot fence within the street setback at 402 Northwest Kruger Street. The commission's recommendation follows staff analysis that the property's irregular "tail" and access-easement history create unique physical circumstances.
Scott, a town staff member who presented the case, summarized the request: "They are wanting to enclose ... with a 6 foot tall fence, and that's why we're here today." Scott told commissioners that NW 3rd Street was recently constructed and that, under code section 16.12.30, fences inside the front/street setback are normally limited to 3.5 feet.
Staff walked commissioners through the five required variance findings under chapter 16.14 and said the narrow 2.5-foot gap that would exist if the fence were placed outside the setback made a standard-compliant layout impractical in the affected portion of the lot. A commissioner noted there is an existing 6-foot fence in the same position across Kruger, describing that as an "existing condition" that informed their view.
During deliberations a commissioner said, "I actually don't have any problem with the variance," and another commissioner praised the applicant's proposed landscaping to screen the fence. There were no verbal public comments during the hearing (remote callers did not speak), and the motion to find the application consistent with the code's required findings carried unanimously.
The planning commission will transmit its recommendation to the Coupeville Town Council for final action at the council meeting scheduled for Aug. 26, 2025.
