Zoning commission recommends allowing 6‑foot front‑yard fence for Brookfield corner lot

A Brookfield family won the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation April 30 to allow a 6‑foot fence in the required front and corner side yards of their corner ("island") lot.

The petitioner told commissioners the property has two yards and that zoning treats the wider yard as the front yard, leaving the smaller, street‑facing yard exposed. "We now have two very young children," the petitioner said during testimony, explaining that proximity to RB High School and a nearby zoo entrance increases foot traffic and safety concerns.

A staff member reviewed the submitted survey and permit drawings, noted the unusual lot configuration and hardship standards, and recommended approval. Commissioners questioned a draft plan‑compliance condition; staff agreed that a redundant condition could be waived.

After public comment (staff summarized a supportive neighbor email), a motion was made and seconded to approve the variance request to allow the 6‑foot fence in the required front and corner side yards without the listed condition. The motion carried on recorded voice votes. The chair said the case will go to the village board on May 11 for final consideration.

What the commission approved was a recommendation to the village board; final approval rests with that body. The variance application cited section 12‑198 (prohibited fence locations) in the municipal code as the provision being varied.