Fence variance approved for safety of everyone

It’s not the first time the Board of Zoning Appeals has been contacted about a variance to a City of Cornell ordinance, but at the April 26 meeting, it was slightly newer ground for the board. Jamie Gustavson, 200 South Fourth Street, approached the board, seeking a variance on the city ordinance to exceed her street yard fence height.

Gustavson has what she calls a hyperactive dog who has anxiety when dealing with people and who can get over a 4-foot fence. Therefore, a 6-foot fence in called for, in Gustavson’s opinion.

She says she doesn’t want any incidents with younger children walking by and looks to provide a good, healthy space for her dogs. The fence she had in mind, is a solid cedar dog-eared fence.

“I don’t want to do my entire yard, I just want to convert a portion there,” said Gustavson.

The fence would be erected from a portion of the garage closest to the house toward Ripley Street, then extending to where the front quarter of the house is. Gustavson also plans to put some type of fencing along the south boundary of her property where a privacy bush fence line exists.

Members questioned if Gustavson would consider getting a composite type fence, instead of cedar. She said she is going to anchor the cedar fence, so it’s sturdy and that a salesman she talked to said the cedar would outperform composite.

“I like the idea of cedar,” said zoning appeals member John Smith, adding that if cedar is maintained, it looks good. “If you go with cedar, you don’t have to repaint it. It weathers better.”

Lyle Adrian, zoning member, asked if Gustavson could construct a wire fence instead, but she said she is concerned that someone would put their hands through it to get to the dog. Zoning member Dan Goller mentioned an electric fence, but the others agreed that is not always the answer, as dogs sometimes go right through the charged underground system.

Goller said he had to think about neighbors’ views, as he wouldn’t want to look at a tall fence if he lived there.

“I don’t like fences,” said Goller.

Adrian said as far as he can tell, the big concern is safety for passersby and Gustavson’s dogs.

After taking a vote on whether or not to allow a variance, Gustavson was granted permission to construct the 6-foot fence she has planned. Those in favor, were Adrian, Smith, Floyd Hickethier and Dave DeJongh, with Goller opposing.

Gustvason thanked the board and says she enjoys living in Cornell, after coming to the city from Chippewa Falls.

“I just really like the small town…it’s nice.”