Planning board approves variance to let Indian River Land Trust install visible split-rail fence without required landscaping

The Vero Beach Planning and Zoning Board on July 16 approved a variance (V26-000002) requested by Indian River Land Trust to waive the landscape requirement for a 1,350-linear-foot split-rail fence located within the front setback along Indian River Boulevard. The board voted 4-0 to grant the variance after applicant representatives described vehicle trespass onto conservation land as the principal concern.

"We have a portfolio of approximately 1,300 acres of conservation lands," said Dave Fuss, Director of Land Stewardship for Indian River Land Trust, noting the parcel in question is part of a roughly 300-acre block north of the Barber Bridge. Fuss said the trust acquired the property in 2020 and intends to maintain it for wildlife habitat. He told the board the fence is meant to deter vehicle trespass and that installing the 275 plants required by code for a fence of that length would "double the cost of the project." Fuss described the proposed fence as a four-foot-high split-rail with two boards that would still allow wildlife passage underneath.

Staff members explained the city's fence standards are written to apply across residential zones. "The R-1AAA is a conservation district in nature, but the standards for fences are the same regardless of the type of residential district," Planning Director Jason Jeffries said, adding that staff's role in quasi-judicial variance matters is to confirm application completeness rather than make a recommendation for or against relief.

Board members pressed the applicant on permanence and durability; Fuss said the trust plans to use pressure-treated lumber and maintain the fence "in perpetuity as warranted." There was no public testimony. Vice Chairman T.P. Kennedy opened and closed the public hearing without public comment. Ms. Santamarina moved to approve the variance; Mr. Kennedy seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

The variance relieves Indian River Land Trust from the planting obligation specified in Section 61.14(C)(1) for fences parallel to a street and located within front setbacks; the board record states the decision was made "based on substantial and competent evidence presented and the applicable Code provisions."