HomeMy WebLinkAboutFence SummaryCity of Carmel/Fence Permitting:
We’re trying to put a black ornamental iron fence in a back yard on a corner lot. 4’ height is six inches
higher than usual. The East fence section crosses two unused easement sections, with utility routes
placed further North, South, and East.
1) Lot Type (see submitted Surveyor Location Report): We live in a corner lot (63) at 3554 Town
Dr. in Shelborne Greene subdivision. The proposed fencing for this lot presents no ‘front
setback’ ‘vision clearance’ issue for vehicles. It would not obstruct driver sight lines driving
South on Greentree Dr and turning right/West on Towne Dr, or driving East on Towne Dr and
turning Left/North on Greentree Dr.
2) Easements: (see submitted Surveyor Location Report, Glidden bid mapping, and pictures):
a. 15’ N/S Drainage & Utility easement on West side of Greentree Dr: The proposed East
fence route would be 12’ West of the street and 3’ West of the sidewalk, placing it
within the 15’ easement. The easement has no affected utilities, with water running
N<>S East of the sidewalk (and fence route), Electric/Phone/CATV running E<>W under
Greentree Dr., 8’ South of the fence route, and other utility routes running E<>W
aerially to the North and underground in the front yard to the South. An Easement
Waiver and fee have already been submitted.
b. 10’ E/W Drainage & Utility easement on the North border of the property: The West
and East proposed fences would cross this easement, unused per visible and located
utility routes in submitted pictures, and believed to be unused per Carmel Staff
Engineer, Shelborne Greene HOA, and Hahn Surveying. Again, the Easement Waiver
and fee have already been submitted.
3) Fence Height: The fence height is to be a maximum of 42” per Carmel for corner lot (“multiple
Front Yards”) next to the streets. We’re requesting a variance to allow a 4’ black, limited
lifetime guarantee, ‘ornamental iron’ fencing:
a. Keep bad guys out: Our neighbors to the immediate North (adjacent subdivision on
Annally) and to the immediate South on Towne Dr., share an identical story of the prior
occupants being broken into approximately 3-4 years ago from a van parked on
Greentree Drive next to the backyard. We’re both seniors, my wife with MS and very
limited mobility, in an era of increased unemployment and security concerns.
b. Keep the dog in: This height also keeps our 50 lb dog within the yard (per prior home 4’
fence). A good idea given above described crime, age, and mobility issues.
4) Fence Placement (see submitted Surveyor Location Report and Glidden bid mapping): The
proposed East N/S fence location (longitude) is sufficiently set-back from the sidewalk, but not
enough from the street (25’) to permit a 6’ fence. However:
a. Aesthetics: (see pictures) The proposed 4’ East fence placement would provide
sufficient clearance to enclose two large trees (versus 25’ setback going through them)
and enable a simple 90’ turn to reach the Northeast corner of the house. It’s arguable
the retained trees and black ‘ornamental iron’ fence would be aesthetic assets for: the
property, HOA (already approved), subdivision entrants from Greentree Drive, and
therefore the City of Carmel.
b. Height: A 6’ fence placed 25’ back from the street is overkill: functionally, aesthetically,
and in cost (granted- not Carmel’s problem).