Bartlett could see taller fences on corners

Bartlett officials are considering allowing taller fences in corner yards without requiring residents to go through a 45- to 60-day review process.

After approving a request for a 6-foot fence in July, the village board decided to look at modifying its fence height requirements on corners.

The ordinance would allow 5- and 6-foot fences on corner lots as long as they are set back from the property line by at least 6 inches on major roads - including Lake Street, Route 59 and County Farm Road - and 10 feet on all other streets. In 2015, the maximum fence height was increased from 3 to 4 feet.

The change would mean residents who want to install a taller fence could immediately apply for a permit instead of first applying for a variation that would require a review by the zoning board and village board. That process normally takes 45 to 60 days.

During a recent committee of the whole meeting, Planning & Development Services Director Roberta Grill said the zoning board generally has recommended approving requests that meet those requirements. Since 1990, there have been 57 corner yard variation requests by residents. During that period, 64% of the variation requests could have been eliminated if the height change was in place.

"This text amendment would allow (residents) to get a building permit right away," she said.

Trustee Adam Hopkins said he supports the change because it "avoids legislation."

Grill said although each request is unique, the proposed change "would provide a more uniform look along the roadways."

Following the meeting, Grill said the village is trying to help residents get the fence they want along with the most usable yard space.

Six-foot fences are currently allowed in interior lots but corner yards are a little different.

"Corner lots are treated as two front yards," Grill said.

The ordinance change was forwarded to the zoning board for a Dec. 5 public hearing.