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April 12, 2022 Page 4 The site is considered a “double frontage lot,” having street frontage along both 27th Avenue NE to the north and Kenzie Terrace to the south. Recognizing that direct lot access is not available from the north, the area south of the building is considered the “front yard.” According to Section 150.07(C)(2) of the City Code, no fence serving a commercial use may be over 6 feet in height within a required front yard setback. The Code further states that fences may extend to a total height of 8 with a security arm for barbed wire if a conditional use permit is obtained. Within General Commercial zoning districts, the required front yard setback is 35 feet or a distance equal to the average of the front yard depths on the two adjacent lots. The City Code sets out a series of criteria necessary to qualify for conditional use permit consideration. Those criteria are found in §152.24s, (C) of the Zoning Chapter, and are included in a latter section this report. It is the opinion of Staff that the proposed increase in fence height satisfies the referenced conditional use permit evaluation criteria and will serve to improve compatibility between the automotive business and adjacent single-family home. Some concern with both the existing and proposed fence relates to traffic visibility as the existing fence extends to abutting alley’s right-of-way line. According to Section 150.072 (D) of the City Code… No fence shall be placed in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of two and one-half (2 ½ ) feet and ten (10) feet above the centerline grades of the intersection of a street and alley or driveway such that a clear line of vision is possible of the intersecting street from a distance of fifteen (15) feet along the edge of the street and along the alley or driveway, and a third line connecting the other sides, unless otherwise required or approved by the Zoning Administrator or other Authorized Agent. It is acknowledged, however, that the proposed increase in fence height will have no impact on existing traffic visibility conditions. As a condition of conditional use permit approval, it is recommended that the new fence meet all applicable fence construction requirements as outlined in Section 150.073 of the Code and reiterated below: (A) Fences and walls shall be constructed in a manner and of such materials that do not adversely affect the appearance of the neighborhood or adjacent property values. Fences shall not be constructed from poultry netting (chicken wire), welded wire, snow fence, branches, or materials originally intended for other purposes, unless upon the showing of a high degree of architectural quality achieved through the use of such materials, and prior approval is granted by the Zoning Administrator or other Authorized Agent. (B) Fences and walls hereafter erected shall be durable, weather resistant, rust proof, and easily maintained.