Board denies 5-foot front fence at 1306 E. Pyron; approves 4-foot limit

The Compliance and Technical Advisory Board denied an applicant’s request for a 5-foot wooden-frame cattle-panel fence along the front of the lot at 1306 East Pyron Avenue and approved staff’s recommendation limiting the front fence to 4 feet.

Homeowner Janie (Jackie) Cortez, who lives nearby, told the board she is trying to protect a family property with historical ties dating to the early 20th century and cited recent neighborhood theft and a report that the property had been shot at as reasons for a taller fence. Contractor Kevin described vandalism and a missing plastic pond as reasons the owner seeks the taller front fence. An in-person neighbor speaker, Jesse Casillas, and a voicemail from nearby resident Viciliana Cabral opposed a 5-foot front fence.

Staff noted preexisting fences of varying heights on the block but recommended the front facade follow the guidelines that limit fences in the front plane to 4 feet; staff said a 5-foot fence could be considered in the rear where preexisting conditions allow greater height. Commissioners and members of the public discussed the vacant condition of the property and adjacent blight; the board concluded the consistent application of the fence-height guideline in front yards was appropriate.

Motion and vote: A motion to accept staff’s recommendation limiting the front fence to 4 feet carried by roll call: Flores — Aye; Garcia — Aye; Brigard — Aye; Spiller — Aye; Pollock — Aye; Vasquez — Aye; Sepulveda — Aye. The board directed staff to work with the applicant on next steps for compliant fencing in coordination with the Office of Historic Preservation.