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Joint BZA/PC Worksessio~a Minutes November 8, 2007 Agenda No. 07-2~ Page 4 of 7 wires spaced four inches apart and horizontal preserves the view much more than if it is vertical. Commission Secretary Livermore said that the transparent nature of the material would have to be confirmed by the ZEO. Commission Chair Reed suggested that perhaps the language could specify a certain maximum percentage of the solid mass of the wire. Commissioner Dlugosh is concerned that such an approach would make chicken wire acceptable, even though it is not aesthetically pleasing. Commission Secretary Livermore noted that both glass and Plexiglas are expensive and may need to be replaced frequently if problems with transparency emerge. Chicken wire, on the other hand, does disappear. Commissioner Dlugosh said that if he's spending more than a million dollars on a home, he doesn't want to look at chicken wire on his neighbor's downhill property. Commissioner Finberg introduced another option, welded wire, which is similar to chicken wire but less flimsy. Commissioner Collier said that it seems if a property owner wants to use wire, a sample would have to be provided. Commissioner Abero said she would prefer chain link to chicken wire, and wondered about the specific exclusion of chain link. Commission Chair Reed said that this discussion is necessary because we're starting from scratch. If we make a mistake, we can change it. He expressed confidence in the ZEO and staffs understanding of the intention, which can go a long way toward arbitrating appropriate materials. Board member Daly asked what happens if the ZEO approves a certain fence and the complaining neighbor doesn't agree. Could the complainant appeal the ZEO decision? Planner Penaranda said that appeals of ZEO actions go to the BZA. He confirmed that in fence modification situations, neighbors are notified. Commission Secretary Livermore said that usually when adjacent property owners are notified, they can provide input in advance of the ZEO's action. If concerns are pertinent to the request, the ZEO can take them into consideration. Another option to consider is requiring all fences beyond three feet to go through the fence modification procedure. She said that at least one fence was constructed that has totally blocked the uphill neighbor's view, which came to the Planning Commission's attention. These neighbors are in the audience and will have an opportunity to comment at that time. Although the idea of regulations to preserve views in light of fences, walls and hedges sounds easy, she said, it is clear that it becomes much more complex once you get into it. Commissioner Dlugosh understands that the ZEO is trying to avoid subjectivity, but says that if you are going to allow certain types of materials that are questionable, the ZEO will have to make the decision whether, for example, chicken wire is as acceptably pleasing as wrought iron.