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Item No: 7A <br />Meeting Date: September 2 2015 <br />Type of Business: Other Planning Activity <br />City of Mounds View Staff Report <br />To: Mounds View Planning Commission <br />From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate <br />Item Title/Subject: Discuss Proposed Code Amendment for Fences <br />Discussion: <br />The Planning Commission has received, and approved, several variances over the last few <br />years allowing a 6 -foot or 8 -foot fence in the second front yard of corner lots. <br />Commissioners have mentioned that maybe the zoning code should be amended to allow <br />for these taller fences since they are always approved. Another variance request for a 6 -foot <br />fence was approved at the last Planning Commission meeting on August 19, 2015, and at <br />that time, again it was mentioned that there should be discussion to amend the code. The <br />Commissioners in attendance all agreed, and asked staff to add this code amendment <br />discussion to the next meeting agenda. <br />The Zoning Code allows fences up to 4 -feet tall in any part of a property. Fences that are <br />tallerthan 4 -feet are only allowed behind the front line of the house (the Zoning Code allows <br />fences up to 8 -feet tall). Properties that are on corners have two front yards and therefore <br />are much more limited in where they can put a taller fence. Property owners want the taller <br />fences for privacy and safety, and the Planning Commission has been very understanding of <br />this and approved every fence height variance request. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review and discuss the information, and <br />provide staff with direction about the proposed amendment. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Heidi Heller <br />Planning Associate <br />Attachments: <br />1. City Code Chapter 1103.08: Fencing, Screening and Landscaping <br />2. Diagram showing allowed fence height locations <br />