PLDRC denies request for 6‑foot solid concrete front wall on Hontoon Road, 6–1

The Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission voted 6–1 on May 21 to deny variance request V‑26‑050, which sought permission to build a solid 6‑foot concrete wall along the front property line of a rural residential lot on Hontoon Road.

Planner Kelly Tucker told the commission that the staff recommendation was denial because the request did not meet the criteria for a variance; staff observed only one other property nearby with a combination wall/fence that effectively reached 6 feet, and that most properties along Hontoon Road have low metal rod fences or no fencing. Tucker provided building elevations and photographs and said staff found the request did not meet the variance criteria.

Applicant Jerome Kramer and contractor Bill Chase said they had purchased bricks and materials after believing a prior local permit for a similar wall existed; Kramer described safety concerns and prior trespass incidents at the property and said he had contacted the sheriff's office. Kramer said an earlier conversation with staff led him to think a permit was open for a similar wall.

Commissioners debated neighborhood character, sightlines and safety. Several commissioners suggested a split design — a short concrete base with wrought iron above — as a compromise that preserves visibility while providing height and security; the applicant rejected that alternative. Commissioner Everson moved to deny the variance on the grounds that the five variance criteria were not met; the motion passed 6–1. The chair noted the applicant has 10 days from rendition of the final order to appeal to County Council.