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34 There was some discussion that fences in front yards be allowed at a height in excess of 4 feet. 35 If there is Council interest in allowing fences over 4 feet tall in front yards, staff would need 36 to understand the circumstances by which this would be allowed. For example, there was some 37 conversation about the percentage of the frontage that could have a fence in excess of 4 feet. 38 This is not something staff would recommend, nor is it something other cities do. Further, 39 many cities regulate fences in front yards at 3 ½ feet, so Roseville’s allowance of 4 feet is 40 already more lenient. The concern with tall fences in front yards would be the wall-effect 41 along roadway corridors. 42 Provisions for approving taller fences already exists in the Administrative Deviation process: 43 “A fence height deviation is an increase of the required fence height limit to allow for better 44 screening and/or noise reduction adjacent to highway rights-of-way, busy commercial areas, 45 or other unusual properties. A fence height deviation shall not allow fences in excess of 8 feet 46 in height.” In combination with the more formal Variance process, this already provides for 47 adjustment in the fence height limit (whether in a front yard or elsewhere), where appropriate. 48 There was some discussion about tall landscaping being allowed, so why couldn’t taller fences, 49 which serve similar purposes, be allowed. If this logic were to be used to allow taller fences 50 in front yards, then would it be okay to allow taller fences in side and rear yards too? Staff is 51 not sure the height of landscaping is a reasonable justification to support taller fences in front 52 yards. 53 Staff is looking for direction from Council on how to proceed, if code amendments are requested, and 54 when to enforce the fence height regulations at 2030 County Road B. Any amendments to Zoning 55 Code sections would require a public hearing at the Planning Commission before advancing to 56 Council. 57 P OLICY O BJECTIVE 58 The City Code sections relative to this topic exist for a variety of reasons, including: 59 Provide transitions between the public realm of the street to the private realm of the home. 60 Ensure enjoyment of property. 61 Ensure the health of residents of the City. 62 B UDGET I MPLICATIONS 63 Not applicable 64 S TAFF R ECOMMENDATION 65 Discuss the information contained herein and provide direction to staff. 66 R EQUESTED C OUNCIL A CTION 67 Discuss the information contained herein and provide direction to staff. Prepared by: Janice Gundlach, Community Development Director Attachments: A: December 7, 2020 CC meeting minutes B: Resolution No. 11768 (appeal denial) C: Applicable City Code Sections and Definitions Page 2 of 2