Planning board approves 6‑foot fence, 0‑foot setback for Boca Raton Christian School

The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board voted unanimously April 4 to grant variances for Boca Raton Christian School at 315 Northwest 4th Street that allow a 6‑foot tall perimeter fence where 4 feet is normally permitted and a 0‑foot setback in places where a 5‑foot street‑side setback is required.

The variance request was presented by Pam Kitchen, zoning officer, who said staff found “special and unique conditions” that warrant the changes and recommended approval to provide a stronger security buffer for the 11.4‑acre campus, which serves preschool through 12th grade. Kitchen told the board the proposed fence and reduced setbacks “will not conflict with any improvements in the right of way, including but not limited to the existing sidewalks.”

The applicant’s representative, Juliet Schiff, described the campus layout, confirmed the site is bounded by four streets and said the new fence would be an open‑picket aluminum security fence with electronic vehicle gates and security staffing for the south entry during school hours.

Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing offered mixed views. Pastor and resident Cameron Free, who said he lives across the street and works on staff at the church, urged approval, stressing that “safety is paramount” for roughly 750 students and families. By contrast, Holly Sutton, who identified herself as chair of the Citizens Bikeway and Pedestrian Committee, said she did not oppose the fence height but objected to the 0‑foot setback and the precedent it sets for placing fences at the property line. Sutton warned that mature hedges already grow through the existing chain‑link in places and asked who would maintain the sidewalk if vegetation encroaches.

Board members asked whether hedges would remain and whether additional landscaping could be installed where the fence would sit. Schiff and staff said hedges will remain where possible but confirmed that in some locations the fence will be on the property line with no room for additional planting at a 0‑foot setback. One board member urged landscaping “rather than it look like a prison from the outside.”

After discussion, the board moved and seconded approval; the roll call recorded a 5‑0 vote in favor. The board’s action allows the school to install the taller fence and the reduced setback as described in the application. The petitioner thanked the board and staff; the board closed the hearing and moved on to other agenda items.

The variance will allow the school to replace a 1980s chain‑link fence and upgrade security; the city staff’s recommendation notes no identified adverse impacts to public welfare. The board’s approval is the local land‑use decision; implementation will follow the usual permitting and inspection processes.