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Council debates privacy-fence setback, asks staff for options
Summary
Council discussed complaints about the city requirement that privacy fences be set back 20 feet from property lines, the cost and sharing implications of that rule, and staff suggested alternatives such as 50% see-through fences; council asked staff to consider permitting changes and exceptions for sports-court fencing.
Councilors and staff spent substantial time on fencing provisions in Chapter 3, focusing on the city's rule that privacy fences be set back 20 feet from side and rear property lines rather than on the property line. Staff said the rule prevents neighbors from sharing a single fence and drives complaints; council members described practical problems for homeowners with pools and courts.
"Every person who wants a privacy fence wants to put it on the property line," Mr. Hilburn said, explaining the source of resident complaints. He described alternatives residents use to retain privacy while complying with the code, including 50% see-through fencing and angled slats. One council member asked staff to consider allowing 10-foot chain-link fencing around sports courts as an administrative approval rather than requiring Board of Adjustment review.
No ordinance was adopted. Council asked staff to mark up proposed language and return with recommendations and legal review, including the option to allow certain sport-court fences without a fee or hardship finding.
