Board of Appeals approves 6-foot security fence for Clinton homeowner

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals on Sept. 9 approved a security-exemption variance allowing a homeowner to install a 6-foot fence in the front yard at 11201 Colorado Street in Clinton.

Karen Johnson, the applicant, told the board she lives alone and has “legitimate security, safety, and privacy concerns” after repeated incidents she said included trespassing, theft of garden tools, vandalism and people loitering near her home. She told the board she has reported those incidents to police and installed security lights and cameras but remains concerned about a steep slope and blind spots on the corner lot.

Johnson read highlights from a written statement describing the requested change: “I am requesting to install a 6 foot tall fence within a 5 foot wide side gate, which exceeds the approved placement limitations established under the Prince George's County zoning ordinance.” She argued the property’s slope and layout make it uniquely vulnerable and said the fence would not obstruct drainage, utility easements, or traffic sight lines and would comply with permitting requirements.

After testimony from the applicant and several neighbors who said they supported the request, Member Stanton moved to approve the variance, saying the decision was based on the evidence and testimony presented. Vice Chair Johnston seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and the board voted 3–0 in favor; the motion carried. The chair informed Johnson that the board had approved her request and excused the witnesses.

Why it matters: County zoning variance decisions determine whether property owners may deviate from standard dimensional rules; approval here allows the homeowner to proceed with permit applications for a taller fence on a corner lot that the applicant characterized as uniquely exposed.

The board referenced county zoning standards and the security-exemption framework described during the meeting when evaluating the request. The board did not state any additional conditions beyond standard permitting and site-elevation requirements; the applicant was told a copy of the board’s written order will be required before building permits may be processed.

Action and next step: The board’s formal order approving the security-exemption variance will be the document the applicant must present to the county permits office before obtaining building permits.