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Zoning Board allows 8-foot stained-glass privacy wall at S. Fitzhugh Street over neighbor objections; vote 4-1
Summary
The Zoning Board approved an 8-foot stained-glass privacy wall at 7484 S. Fitzhugh Street to remain as a fence (where 4' is allowed); the motion passed 4-1 with member Steve Nesspor voting no after neighbors raised questions about glare and whether the structure constituted an addition.
The Village of Sodus Point Zoning Board approved on July 25, 2022 an application from Kathy Gripsma to retain an 8-foot stained-glass privacy structure at 7484 S. Fitzhugh Street where local code allows a 4-foot fence. The applicant said the structure uses recycled church windows and is intended to provide privacy for a patio; she also described plantings that will surround the wall.
Neighbors and board members asked whether the structure constituted an addition and whether sun glare from stained glass would pose a problem. John Lunder said the back side of the patio would remain open and observed sun angles should not cause glare; Jack Ruckdeschel raised questions about glare. The board noted similar approvals in the neighborhood and cited the property’s elevated grade as a factor. Sue Bassage moved to approve the request; Laurie Hayden seconded and the motion passed 4-1 with ZB member Steve Nesspor recorded as the lone nay vote. "They are trying to ensure privacy for their patio area," the applicant said in explaining the purpose of the structure.
The approval permits the 8-foot structure to remain at 2 feet off the property line, per the board’s recorded action. The board also discussed property-maintenance issues later in the meeting, including sidewalk clearance and wheelchair access, and will review minutes from July 11 at a future meeting.
