Zoning board approves variance to let campus fence extend beyond front building line

The Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeals on the floor approved a variance permitting a security fence to extend beyond the front building line at a site on West 8 Mile Road. The board voted to grant the request after a brief presentation by the applicant’s representative.

Casey Kaufman, identifying themself as representing Bartmello, told the board the fence would surround the campus to secure equipment and materials and allow safe movement between buildings. "This will allow us to make sure that everybody's safe and the property is secure," Kaufman said.

Board members asked whether the intent was to fence the entire campus and to lock in equipment and materials; Kaufman confirmed the fence was intended to enclose the campus perimeter. After discussion the board moved to approve the request based on the staff report and additional findings discussed at the hearing. The chair called the roll and the motion was recorded as carried.

The board did not record conditions beyond those discussed at the meeting; no opposition speakers from the audience registered during the hearing. The board then moved on to the next case.