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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2009 Page 8 1 Ronald Severson, contacted staff asking about the process for obtaining a two (2)-foot variance 2 to the City's fence ordinance Title XV, Subsection 150.072, (C) Fence Size. She advised that the 3 City's ordinance restricts the height of fences at the building setback or behind to six (6) feet. 4 Mr. Severson reported that his property is adjacent to 2916 Silver Lake Court, the owners of 5 which were granted a 2-foot variance in 2008 to install an 8-foot back fence to block out traffic 6 noise and street lights from Silver Lake Road. Mr. Severson indicated that he too has to deal with 7 the same traffic noise and street lights. 8 9 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated staff provided Mr. Severson with information about 10 the application and approval process for obtaining a variance including a timeline. He agreed to 11 come to a concept review to explain his request and receive input from the Planning 12 Commission. 13 14 Mr. Ronald Severson, applicant, addressed the Planning Commission and stated the fence was 15 last replaced in 1984. His neighbors at 2916 Silver Lake Court put in a new fence and received a 16 variance to go eight feet; however, they are a little closer to Silver Lake Road than his property 17 is. There is also an eight foot fence at the next lot, 2920 Silver Lake Court. He stated his fence 18 sits down due to a drainage area, so the current six foot height does not come up as high. A 19 somewhat taller fence would help with the noise from Silver Lake Road and to screen the things 20 in the yard at the house behind his. The primary reason for the fence request is for the screening 21 and the noise from Silver Lake Road. 22 23 Chair Strom en suggested a depiction at the public hearing of the elevation of the lot and how 8x' gg � p g 24 much it dips. 25 26 Commissioner Jenson verified with Mr. Severson that his adjacent neighbor and the next 27 neighbor have eight foot fences. 28 29 Commissioner Jensen stated visually the screening and the uniformity makes sense in this case, 30 and the hardship is not caused by the applicant. One thing to be aware of is if there is a drainage 31 easement in the area preserving the ability for water to move. 32 33 Chair Stromgren stated he understands the applicant's desire for the fence and that topography 34 would be an important consideration. 35 36 Commissioner Jensen noted this slightly higher fence would be for a property within 150 feet of 37 a major collector street. He does not believe they will be setting themselves up for fence 38 applications throughout the City. He suggested through housekeeping they may want to allow 39 fencing to be two feet higher than the six foot limit for properties that are a certain amount of 40 feet from a major collector,which could be done through staff. 41 42 Chair Stromgren noted the rationale for the variance for the adjacent property at 2916 had to do 43 with the direct noise and traffic issues, as well as light from the Laundromat located in New 44 Brighton that is open late. 45 46 IX. OTHER BUSINESS.