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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 18, 2009 Page 2 1 2 VIII. CONCEPT REVIEWS 3 4 VIII.1. AUTUMN WOODS ASSISTED LIVING PROJECT 5 6 Pulled from the agenda. 7 8 IX. OTHER BUSINESS. 9 10 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes introduced the item and stated because the City has 11 granted two variances associated with fence height, the City Council is requesting that the 12 Planning Commission review the possibility of changing the fence height ordinance. She 13 reported that generally, most communities limit fence height to six feet in side and rear yards. 14 The stated purpose for regulation is"to promote a pleasant physical environment and to protect 15 the public and private property within the City by regulating the location, height, type of 16 construction, and maintenance of all fences." Included in the packet are fence information and 17 requirements from several cities that are either in the metro area or are of similar size to St. 18 Anthony. Staff has found that only the City of Mankato allows the construction of eight foot 19 fences in the residential zoning district. It appears that most communities continue to regulate 20 residential fence heights at four feet in the front yard to the side yard and six feet from the side 21 yard to the back property line in the rear yard. 22 23 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes stated the two variances granted for fence height were 24 unique in nature and more for the mitigation of noise and light rather than an increased need for 25 security and privacy. The City of Prior Lake allows the installation of an 8-foot fence, with 90% 26 opacity, for properties abutting a state highway or county road and requires a building permit. 27 28 Chair Stromgren noted for the most part St. Anthony's requirements are consistent with most 29 city ordinances. He asked if St. Anthony distributes handouts regarding fencing requirements. 30 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes responded in the affirmative. She stated building permits 31 are required for fences of all heights. Information is attached to the permit about fences and 32 where they need to be placed. The Building Inspector or Public Works Director ensure that the 33 property lines are correct for the placement of fences of higher heights. She reported on the 34 number of fence construction permits and variances issued to St. Anthony residents since 2007: 35 ■ Fence Permits—2007: 16 36 ■ Fence Permits—2008: 19 37 ■ Variances - 2008: 1 variance of 2 feet to 6-foot height restriction; granted to 2916 Silver 38 Lake Court 39 ■ Fence Permits through July 2009: 22 40 ■ Variances through July 2009: 1 variance of 2 feet to 6-foot height restriction; granted to 41 2912 Silver Lake Court 42 43 Assistant City Manager Moore-Sykes reported that looking back five years, the only two 44 variances have been applied for and granted for fence heights. These variances were granted in 45 2008 and 2009 to neighboring properties due to the traffic noise on Silver Lake Road and bright 46 lights from the commercial property in New Brighton on the east side of Silver Lake Road.