Citation in context
November 21, 2016 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Kalkwarf agreed and added that they want the new fence closer to the sidewalk. She noted that as one looks down Pershing, there are other features close to the sidewalk.
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Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed but noted; however, that these other features are low retaining walls.
Mr. Kalkwarf asked for some guidance. He stated that they can plant bushes inside the fence. He asked if they could just have grass on the outside of the fence as they don’t want Firebush next to the sidewalk.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he would like to see landscaping to soften the fence’s appearance.
A discussion regarding the possible use of monkey grass and/or Liriope ensued, as well as the mention of dogs being walked down this sidewalk.
Joanne Boulton asked staff what is preferred.
Susan Istenes stated that there are times when more substantive landscaping is required. She noted that this is a small area of fencing along the front lessening the impact. She suggested a low growing shrub with a mature height of 6-feet or less.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated he’s okay with Liriope outside the fence, but that he fears that dense landscaping inside the fence will negate the extra 4-feet of yard space the owners are trying to achieve. He noted that the City wants a more ornamental appearance while the owners want privacy. He suggested working with a landscaper and to provide staff with the details.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Craig Owens made a motion to approve per staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Josh Corson and unanimously approved by the Board.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – FRONT YARD FENCE – 7640 MARYLAND AVENUE
Sarah Hartz, owner, was in attendance at the meeting.
Susan Istenes explained that the 6,909-square-foot site is located on the southeast corner of North Hanley Road and Maryland Avenue. She stated that this is a request to approve a previously installed 6-foot cedar shadow-box fence which replaced an existing 20 feet in length, 6 foot high wooden picket style fence. The new fence is an additional 48 feet in length, for a total length of 68 feet along Hanley Road (the new fence was installed prior to ARB/permit approval). The new fence also surrounds the patio and a portion of the back of the house, similar to the previous fence. The new fence parallels Hanley Road and terminates approximately 18 feet from the Maryland Avenue front property line and 24 feet beyond the front building line of the existing single family structure. The fence is set back approximately one foot from the Hanley Road sidewalk. No landscaping is proposed in front of the fence. The owner does plan to stain the fence brown if it is allowed to remain. Director Istenes noted that historically, the Architectural Review Board has considered requests for front yard fences that are not in conformance with the zoning requirements.
limited in height to 6 feet and shall be constructed of a decorative iron or metal to be approved by staff prior to the issuance of a fence permit.
return of the fence to the house shall be reviewed and approved by staff prior to the issuance of a fence permit.
Mr. Kalkwarf stated that if they use an iron fence they won’t get the privacy they are looking for.
Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that the Firebush is beautiful and provides a visual screen and it’s a shame to lose them.
Ms. Kalkwarf agreed and added that they want the new fence closer to the sidewalk. She noted that as one looks down Pershing, there are other features close to the sidewalk.
The owner does plan to stain the fence brown if it is allowed to remain. Director Istenes noted that historically, the Architectural Review Board has considered requests for front yard fences that are not in conformance with the zoning requirements.
4 For example, on corner lots, 6-foot fences have been approved on “secondary” front yards (what functionally would be a property’s side yard) provided the fence is ornamental or decorative (not a solid wood, chain or vinyl fence) and is placed on the property in a manner which provides a sufficient area for landscaping to break up the monotonous appearance of the fence. However, there is evidence of similar style of wood fencing along Hanley Road, south of the subject property. Hanley Road is a major arterial road through the City and carries heavy traffic volumes; consequently it can be very noisy and bright from headlights. The subject fence is not consistent with the historically approved 4-foot “ornamental or decorative” fence on a secondary frontage; however, an ornamental or decorative fence would not provide the opacity needed to provide adequate screening of Hanley Road. Additionally, there are a series of mature Pear trees planted approximately 3 feet from the back edge of the sidewalk along the fence line that would have to be removed in order to provide an adequate planting area for a landscape bed in front of the fence. The north end of the fence as it exists has an awkward appearance from the sidewalk and the street because it simply terminates and is not returned to the house. Director Istenes stated that staff is of the opinion that the fence is designed with high quality materials and provided it is stained a darker color, is appropriate given the existing conditions on the property and recommends approval with the following conditions:
the remaining fence northward from the newly established corner.