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STAFF REPORT <br /> To: Chair Stromgren and Planning Commission Members <br /> From: Kim Moore-Sykes, Assistant City Manager <br /> Date: August 18,2009 <br /> Subject: Review Fence Heights <br /> Property Address: N/A <br /> Zoning District: Residential <br /> 60-Day Expires: N/A <br /> Requested Action: Discussion only. <br /> Background: Generally,most communities limit fence height to six feet in side and rear yards. The stated <br /> purpose for regulation is"to promote a pleasant physical environment and to protect the public and private <br /> property within the City by regulating the location,height, type of construction,and maintenance of all <br /> fences." <br /> Because the City of St. Anthony has granted two variances associated with fence height, the City Council is <br /> requesting that the Planning Commission review the fence height ordinance to insure that what is in the <br /> City Code is adequate or if there is a need to re-evaluate. Attached are the requirements for residential <br /> fences from several cities that are either in the Metro or are of similar size to St. Anthony. It appears that <br /> most communities continue to regulate residential fence heights at four feet in the front yard to the side <br /> yard and six feet from the side yard to the back property line in the rear yard. <br /> The two variances granted for fence height were unique in nature and more for the mitigation of noise and <br /> light rather than an increased need for security or privacy. The City of Prior Lake allows the installation of <br /> an 8-foot fence,with 90% opacity, for properties abutting a state highway or county road and requires a <br /> building permit. Staff found only the City of Mankato allowed the construction of eight foot fences in the <br /> residential zoning district. <br /> Attachments: <br /> • Fence Information-Spring Lake Park <br /> • Fence Information-St. Cloud <br /> • Fence Requirements -St. Paul <br /> • Fence Regulations-Shoreview <br /> • Fence Requirements - Luverne <br /> • General Information for Construction of Fences/Walls -Plymouth <br /> • Residential Fences -Hopkins <br /> • Residential Fences - Prior Lake <br /> • Fences - Mound <br /> • Fence Regulations- Mankato <br />