Elmhurst's Zoning Action Will 'Haunt' Officials

Elmhurst IL

17 November, 2021

1:54 PM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — Members of Elmhurst's zoning commission said Tuesday they were leery of requests to make exceptions to the city's fence rules. But they said a resident made a good case about why he needed a taller-than-allowed fence. One member gave a "very reluctant" vote in favor. Resident David Day asked the Zoning and Planning Commission for a six-foot solid fence in his back yard, an exception to the code, which calls for fences no higher than 4 feet. Day, who lives in the 500 block of South Kenilworth Avenue, said people passing by on Vallette Street can see directly into the family room and dining areas through three glass doors that face Vallette. The existing fence, he said in his application, does not provide enough privacy for his family and young child. He considered planting trees, but was told by a landscaper that would be difficult given the lack of sunlight in that part of his property. Day said the house was next to a high-traffic street with unobstructed views from a large commercial parking lot and an office building. Commissioners seemed open to an exception. "We get a lot of requests for fences. I was thinking this is another person overly concerned with privacy," board Chairwoman Susan Rose said. "When you go by there, I can see what you're talking about." Commissioner Melissa Pittman said, "It's such a high-traffic area. I don't know why the person who lived there before didn't ask for it." Commissioner Carol Snyder said she had never voted for an exception to the fence rule. She said that when she goes around town, she can see people inside their houses making dinner or watching TV. "I'm a very reluctant yes because of the location and the level of exposure," she said. Snyder warned, though, that other residents would take pictures of the fence when they make their cases to the commission for fence exceptions. "This will come back to haunt us," she said. Day told the commission he bought the house last year thinking that he would build the 6-foot fence. But he said a fence contractor told him that he would have to apply for an exception. Rose said it was a good lesson for everyone. "If you buy a property, don't make assumptions what you can do and cannot do. That's a big mistake," she said. The commission unanimously approved the request. It has the final authority in such matters.