Deanna Robertson granted variance for six-foot privacy fence on Center Ridge Road corner lot

Deanna Robertson, the applicant and owner of the house at 7423 Fowlers Run, received unanimous approval from the North Ridgeville Board of Zoning and Building Appeals to install a six-foot, fully opaque fence on a corner lot adjacent to Center Ridge Road.

Planning and development director Liieber told the board the lot is zoned B3 (highway commercial) but occupied by a single-family dwelling, and that the proposed fence extends into an area the city considers front yard for corner lots. Liieber described the application as a request for a two-foot height variance and relief from the code requirement that front-yard fences be at most 4 feet high and at least 50 percent open (Section 1294.01H2A). "The proposed fence shows a 43-foot segment parallel to Center Ridge Road at a height of 4 feet with the remaining sections at a height of six feet," Liieber said, and noted the dwelling is set back about 80 feet.

Robertson, sworn for testimony, told the board the fence would not reduce visibility for motorists and that without the variance she would "lose a great part of my yard" under corner-lot rules. "I'm hoping you will allow me to enjoy my property and put up a nice fence without impeding or interfering with the... intent of the ordinance," she said.

The chair guided the board through the Duncan factors used in variance decisions. The chair concluded that, while corner lots are not inherently unique, the lot's configuration and the significant setback from Center Ridge Road — combined with existing vegetation — reduced the potential impact on visibility and streetscape character. "As a result, the fence is unlikely to impact the visibility at the intersection or along the road," the chair said.

After brief clarifications about the fence layout and existing tree line, a motion to approve the variance was made and seconded. The clerk called the roll; members Kain, To, Weaver and Masterson all voted yes and the motion carried unanimously.

The approved variance allows the 6-foot opaque fence to remain as proposed; the board's discussion emphasized that the decision rested on the lot's specific configuration, the fence's setback and vegetation, and preserving visibility for motorists as required by local code.