O-2009-3173 fence requirements for mobile home parks

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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Aoorooriation Agenda Date Requested: Au!!ust 24. 2009 Source of Funds: NA Requested By: Tim Tietiens Account Number: NA Department: Plannin!! Amount Budgeted: NA Report: _Resolution: _Ordinance:_X_ Attachments: Draft Ordinance Ordinance SUMMARY City Council directed staff to conduct a review of fence requirements for mobile home parks and to suggest fence height for residential and commercial zoning districts. On June 24, 2009, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a workshop where staff presented an overview of the provisions mandated by the current City ordinances, similar approaches adopted by the neighboring cities, and shared the results of the research by the American Planning Advisory Services regarding fences. Last year, there was a wooden fence at the perimeter boundary of the Pecan Plantation Mobile Home Park. Since Hurricane Ike, it has not been replaced by the owner or management company of the park. Several residents of the park raised concerns about the privacy, noise, and traffic impacts due to lack of fencing around the mobile home park. Other potential issues before the City's Zoning Board of Adjustment are variances for fence height and location in the front yard setback. After Hurricane Ike, some residents rebuilt their fences between seven to eight feet high. A few residents requested variances while a few cases are still pending for a decision by the Board. Fence height is recommended to be eight (8) feet high maximum including six-inch rot board. In addition, 8' high perimeter fence, for recorded subdivisions that exceed five (5) acres regardless of the number of subdivision lots, is also proposed. However, maximum height remains eight (8) feet for industrial districts. It is also recommended that fencing be a required element for manufactured housing criteria. However, this will be applicable for future manufactured housing parks. To resolve on-going fence maintenance issues, an enforcement clause is proposed requiring fences be maintained in good condition and be replaced when destroyed. Staff, with guidance from the Planning and Zoning Commission, reviewed possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106). After a public hearing at the July 16,2009, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommended the above amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to fences. Action Reauired bv Council: 1. Conduct a Public Hearing. 2. Consider Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation for proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to fences.