Commission grants fence-standards exception after homeowner boxes exposed metal posts

The Rockwall Planning and Zoning Commission approved MIS2026-010 May 26, granting an exception to the unified development code’s residential fence orientation requirements for a 0.42-acre property on South Clark Street.

Angelica, the staff presenter, told the commission that a fence permit issued March 3 allowed construction of a new residential fence but an inspection found the metal posts were oriented toward the neighboring property rather than the private side, contrary to code. The installed fence is 7 feet tall cedar with metal posts that staff said were wrapped in cedar as a mitigating measure and that the posts had limited visibility from the public street.

The property owner (who provided a Rockwall address in the meeting packet but did not state a full name on the record) told the commission the contractor built the fence while the owner was out of town; upon return the owner had the exposed posts boxed to look like cedar posts and apologized to the commission and neighbors. “I don’t typically disobey the law… I won’t do it again,” the speaker said.

Commissioners said the photographic evidence did not show a glaring issue; Commissioner Shane moved to approve the exception after noting the post boxing and cap treatments, and Commissioner Bentley seconded. The motion passed.

Staff noted the exception requires a supermajority and reminded the applicant that future permits must comply with the unified development code. The commission’s approval applies to the fence-orientation exception described in MIS2026-010 and does not change other code requirements.