Item 4.1 Fence Memo3601 Thurston Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763.231.5840
TPC@PlanningCo.com
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Otsego Planning Commission
FROM: D. Daniel Licht
DATE: 10 April 2024
RE: Otsego – Zoning Ordinance; Residential Fences
TPC FILE: 101.01
BACKGROUND
Section 11-19-4 of the Zoning Ordinance regulates placement of fences. City staff encounters
questions often regarding allowances of fences on residential properties. We are presenting
information regarding the existing fence regulations and options for possible amendments
based on comments from residential property owners and fence installers.
Exhibits:
Fence Regulations; Existing
Fence Regulations; Option
ANALYSIS
Existing Regulations. Residential fences are currently allowed as follows:
Front Yards Maximum 4ft. height
Minimum 75% open Side/Rear Yards Abutting Local Street
Interior Lot Line Maximum 6ft. height
Up to 100% solid Abutting Collector Street
10ft. setback
Drainage and Utility Easements Requires City Engineer approval
Item 4.1
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Proposed Amendment. The primary question regarding the current fence allowances concerns
the regulation of fences in side and rear yards of a corner lot abutting a local street. The Zoning
Ordinance defines these as front yards for the purposes of building setbacks and fence
locations.
The intent of limiting fences in these yards is to maintain visual open space along the local
streetscape. Limiting fences to a maximum height of four feet and minimum 75 percent open
space in these yards also provides a consistent building line, especially where the rear lot line of
the corner lot abuts the side lot line of an adjacent lot as shown below.
Property owners of corner lots proposing to install privacy fencing in their rear yards object to
the limitation of the existing Zoning Ordinance not allowing for the fence to extend to the right-
of-way line. Property owners do have the ability to install fencing in the rear yard using a
combination of six foot privacy fencing and four foot fencing that is a minimum of 75 percent
open (e.g. chain link or metal rod) to enclose the entire rear yard. However, if the property
owner desires that the entire enclosure be done with fencing up to six feet in height and/or
with privacy fencing, the rear yard is bisected at the setback line from the right-of-way in order
to comply with the existing regulations reducing the usability of the rear yard.
The Zoning Ordinance can be amended to allow more of the rear (and side yard) of a corner lot
abutting a public right-of-way to be enclosed by privacy fencing up to six feet in height. To
protect visibility for traffic at local street intersections, we would recommend that any
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance only allow for the privacy fencing between the rear lot
line and rear line of the principal building.
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City staff would also recommend that a five foot setback from the property line be established
for all fences abutting public rights-of-way to allow to preserve access to the drainage and
utility easement at the lot line for location of utilities such as gas, electric, phone, and cable.
CONCLUSION
The information outlined herein is provided for discussion by the Planning Commission. City
staff is requesting direction as to whether an amendment of the Zoning Ordinance is to be
formally initiated to consider changes to the allowances for residential fences in the yards of
corner lots abutting local public street rights-of-way. The Planning Commission may also decide
not to pursue amendment of the Zoning Ordinance if they find that the existing regulations are
consistent with the intent of the performance standard. This item has been added for
discussion at the Planning Commission meeting on 15 April 2024.
c. Adam Flaherty, City Administrator/Finance Director
Audra Etzel, City Clerk
Ron Wagner, City Engineer
Fence Regulations
100 ft
Overview
Legend
Roads
CSAHCL
CTYCL
MUNICL
PRIVATECL
TWPCL
Highways
Interstate
State Hwy
US Hwy
City/Township Limits
c
t
Parcels
Torrens
Fence Regulations
100 ft
Overview
Legend
Roads
CSAHCL
CTYCL
MUNICL
PRIVATECL
TWPCL
Highways
Interstate
State Hwy
US Hwy
City/Township Limits
c
t
Parcels
Torrens