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File #: 18-6605   
Type: Zoning Case
In control: Board of Adjustment
On agenda: 12/3/2018
Posting Language: BOA-18-900009: A request by Reyes Montemayor for a special exception to allow 1) a 4’3” privacy fence on the side property line within the front yard, and 2) a 6’ privacy fence on the side property line within the front yard, located at 6911 Brookfield Drive. Staff recommends Approval. (Council District 6)
Attachments: 1. A-18-900009 Attachments
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Case Number:

BOA-18-900009

Applicant:

Reyes Montemayor

Owner:

Reyes Montemayor

Council District:

6

Location:

6911 Brookfield Drive

Legal Description:

Lot 3, Block 12, NCB 18632

Zoning:

“R-6 AHOD” Residential Single-Family Airport Hazard Overlay District

Case Manager:

Dominic Silva, Planner

 

Request

A request for a special exception, as described in Section 35-514, to allow 1) a 4’3” privacy fence on the side property line within the front yard, and 2) a 6’ privacy fence on the side property line within the front yard.

Executive Summary

The subject property is located on Brookfield Drive, approximately 185’ west of Timberhill Drive. The applicant constructed a privacy fence on the side property line within the front yard at a maximum height of 6’ and decreasing in height to 4’3” midway along the front property.

Code Enforcement History

Code Enforcement issued a warning, but did not issue a citation.

Permit History

The applicant did not apply for a fence permit.

Subject Property Zoning/Land Use

 

Existing Zoning

Existing Use

“R-5 AHOD” Residential Single-Family Airport Hazard Overlay District

Single-Family Dwelling

 

Surrounding Zoning/Land Use

 

Orientation

Existing Zoning District(s)

Existing Use

North

“R-5 AHOD” Residential Single-Family Airport Hazard Overlay District

Single-Family Dwelling

South

“R-5 AHOD” Residential Single-Family Airport Hazard Overlay District

Single-Family Dwelling

East

“R-5 AHOD” Residential Single-Family Airport Hazard Overlay District

Single-Family Dwelling

West

“R-5 AHOD” Residential Single-Family Airport Hazard Overlay District

Single-Family Dwelling

Comprehensive Plan Consistency/Neighborhood Association

The subject property is not within the boundaries of any plan and has no future land use component of the plan. The subject property is not located within the boundaries of any neighborhood association.

 

Street Classification

Brookfield is classified as a Local street.

Criteria for Review

According to Section 35-482(h) of the UDC, in order for a special exception to be granted, the Board of Adjustment must find that the request meets each of the five following conditions:

A.                     The special exception will be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the chapter.

The UDC states the Board of Adjustment can grant a special exception for a fence height modification up to eight feet. The additional fence height is intended to provide privacy of the applicant’s property. If granted, this request would be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the ordinance. 

B.                     The public welfare and convenience will be substantially served.

In this case, these criteria are represented by maximum fence heights to protect residential property owners while still promoting a sense of community. A 6’ tall solid screen fence decreasing to 4’3” was built along a portion of the side property line to provide additional privacy for the applicant’s property. This is not contrary to the public interest. 

C.                     The neighboring property will not be substantially injured by such proposed use.

The fence will create enhanced privacy for the subject property and is highly unlikely to injure adjacent properties; with a slope and retaining wall present, the 6’ solid screen fence decreasing to 4’3” does not seem out of character within the community. Further, the fencing does not violate Clear Vision standards.

D.                     The special exception will not alter the essential character of the district and location in which the property for which the special exception is sought.

The fencing does not detract from the character of the neighborhood. The fencing is in line with other preexisting fencing material and height within the immediate vicinity. 

E.                     The special exception will not weaken the general purpose of the district or the regulations herein established for the specific district.

The special exception will not allow the operation of a use not permitted within the property’s current base zoning district. The requested special exception will not weaken the general purpose of the district.

 

Alternative to Applicant’s Request

 

Denial of the variance request and special exception would result in the owner having to meet the required fence height regulations in Section 35-514.

Staff Recommendation

 

Staff recommends APPROVAL of the requested special exception in A-18-900009, based on the following findings of fact:

 

1.                     The 6’ solid screen fence decreases to 4’3” midway along the side property, and;

2.                     Clear Vision standards are not in violation.