Planning Commission approves Hansen variance to allow 5-foot front-yard fence in Granite Bay

The Placer County Planning Commission voted to grant an appeal and approve a variance allowing a 5-foot wrought-iron fence within the front setback of 6107 Rockhurst Way in Granite Bay.

Supervising planner Anne Marie Novotny told the commission the Hansen parcel is 0.68 acre and is the smallest of the four non‑HOA lots on Rockhurst Way, and that adjacent parcels the commission compared are each larger than 1 acre and permitted higher front-yard fence heights. Novotny summarized the six findings required for a variance under state and county rules, saying staff’s analysis supports those findings, including that the proposal would not adversely affect public health and safety and that the request represents a minimum departure from standards.

Applicant Annie Hansen said the lot’s configuration and the house’s forward placement create practical constraints. “We are requesting a 5 foot fence because it is a minimum functional height required to address site’s unique challenges,” Hansen said, citing pet containment, topography and neighborhood parity with immediate neighbors who have 5‑foot open fences. She confirmed the applicant will comply with recommended conditions, including obtaining encroachment and electrical permits.

Commissioners asked whether the county was deciding encroachment into the public easement; staff and counsel clarified that the Department of Public Works will determine and issue any encroachment permit as a condition of approval. County counsel also noted that code enforcement is complaint‑driven when unpermitted fences exist nearby and that prior unpermitted construction does not automatically justify a variance.

After deliberation, Commissioner Lehi moved to grant the appeal and approve the variance and the related CEQA exemptions; the motions were seconded and carried on roll call (6 yes, 2 no). Chair Beckler read appeal rights: anyone who appeared or submitted comment may file an appeal within 10 days; the filing fee is $752.

The county’s written conditions of approval require the applicant to secure any necessary encroachment permit from Public Works and to meet other standard improvement and permit conditions before construction.