Commission recommends rewrite of village fence chapter, clarifies height and HOA interaction

The Plain Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed and voted to recommend ZC 24-2, a rewrite of codified ordinance chapter 11 83.12 (fences), to the council for public hearing and readings.

Unidentified Speaker 1 said the existing fence code was outdated and lacked a height limit. "Existing fence code [was] very updated to the point where it doesn't even our current code. There's no height limit at all," the commission record shows. The draft replaces hedge language with a clear focus on fences, adds material and maintenance language (including an "attractively finished at all times" provision) and gives staff the option to set time limits on temporary fences.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and how municipal rules interact with homeowners association covenants. Unidentified Speaker 1 said HOA restrictions remain the HOA's responsibility and that the ordinance will include a blurb advising applicants to check HOA rules. The board voted to advance the rewrite so council can set a public hearing and undertake formal readings.

Commissioners noted temporary permits can include deadlines and that the commission may review temporary-fence timing on a case-by-case basis.