Commission approves 42‑inch front fence for nonprofit; sides and rear allowed to 6 feet

The commission approved a fencing plan for the Texas Employment Commission property and Family Outreach nonprofit that limits the front fence to 42 inches while allowing taller fences along the sides and rear.

Family Outreach Director Salma Herrera described the nonprofit’s request to increase the front fence height to 6 feet to provide more privacy for outdoor family services and to reduce vehicle break‑ins in its parking lot. Herrera said the nonprofit planned black wrought‑iron fencing along Fifth Street and East Levy and black chain‑link at lower‑visibility locations to keep costs down.

Commissioners questioned whether a taller front fence would materially increase privacy given see‑through fencing and whether approving a higher front fence for a non‑residential institution would set a precedent for others. One commissioner said nearby institutions that use 6‑foot fences can feel like detention facilities and warned against replicating that effect. Staff recommended 42 inches in front and 6 feet on the side and rear; commissioners voted to adopt that recommendation. The staff record notes the final permit will require the drawings and materials to match the approved scope.