PL MINUTES 10031989 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 4 stating that he is in favor of the current fence ordinance because tall fences detract from the beauty and openness of neighborhood back yards . Ms. Yarr responded to those who spoke against the variance request, stating that the $3, 000 fence was of good quality, that the fence does not obstruct ventilation of their neighbors ' yards, and that the back yards were never open and continuous because of the large bushes . Commissioner Werenicz asked Ms . Yarr to explain what undue hardship would be relieved by a seven-foot fence . Ms . Yarr replied that their quiet enjoyment of their property was disturbed by their view, from their dining room window in particular, of junk in the Zahhos ' yard. Commissioner Werenicz expressed the view that a six-foot fence would be sufficient. He then asked Ms . Yarr to explain the affirmative answers given to questions two and three of the petition for variance . Nicholas Yarr of 3104 Armour Terrace responded that he had consulted with his two immediate neighbors before constructing the fence and had received approval from them initially, and that he complied with the Glotzbachs ' request to lower the fence by one foot. He added that he had asked the Zahhoses many times to clean up the • visible junk in their yard but had been told that they were too busy to do so. Commissioner Franzese asked if the fence would still serve its intended purpose if it was cut down to six feet . Ms . Yarr replied that the fence looks nice and that she sees no difficulties with the fencing as it exists. She commented that it would be a hardship for them to cut the fence down another foot because they would have to hire someone to do it. The public hearing was closed at 8 : 26 p.m. The Commission concurred in its findings that -the Yarrs were aware of the fence ordinance requirements well before construction of the fence was substantially completed, and that no hardship or unusual circumstances were shown to exist in their case. The Commission also noted tliat,, if the junk situation . in the Zahhos ' back yard is as unsightly as alleged, the City might need to rectify that situation. Public Works Director Hamer replied that he has been in contact with the Zahhoses regarding the accumulation of debris and will follow up the situation. Motion by Wagner, seconded by Werenicz, to recommend that the City Council deny the variance request for seven-foot fencing at 3104 Armour Terrace on the basis that no hardship or extraordinary circumstances have been shown to exist which would justify a variance; and that no one appeared to speak in favor of the variance request while many opposed it.