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amendment to City Code, but the current situation is unique and not frequently encountered within the community. <br />Additionally, it is noted that this situation is common in Flintwood Hills and that approval of the fence would not <br />appear to alter the essential character of the neighborhood. In fact, many of the rear homes along Dysprosium Street <br />are obstructed from view of Dysprosium Street by the primary garages of the adjacent home. <br />Understanding the unique nature of this development, Staff has continued to work with the property owners in an <br />attempt to mediate a mutually agreeable solution short of an amendment to City Code. That being said, Staff <br />recognizes the potential impacts of either outcome (approval as proposed or amendment proposal). <br />Potential Ideas <br />Amend Fence Standards. Amend City Code Section 117-111 to state that a fence located in the side yard cannot <br />exceed four (4) feet in height if the side yard abuts another property's front yard as defined in City Code Section <br />117-1. <br />Amend Definition of Front Yard. Amend City Code Section 117-1 to amend the definition of front yard to include <br />situations where one property's side yard abuts another property's front yard. This would mean that all required bulk <br />standards, including primary structure setbacks, would be based off a definition of front yard. This has a high <br />potential of creating a number of non -conforming structures. Staff does not recommend this alternative as it relates <br />to this specific case. However, as part of review of this case, Staff has identified the potential to clarify the existing <br />definition of front yard to avoid gaps in definition and improve the ease of reading of the definition to attempt to <br />reduce confusion in future interpretation. <br />Alternatives <br />Alternative 1 - Direct Staff to develop an Ordinance to Amend City Code related to the construction of fences. <br />Alternative 2 - Do not direct Staff to develop an Ordinance to Amend City Code related to the construction of <br />fences. <br />Funding Source: <br />This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends that the City Council direct Staff to perform additional research on this matter to better <br />understand potential policy implications before preparing an Ordinance and refer the matter to the Planning <br />Commission. Additionally, Staff recommends that the impacted Property Owners work with Anoka County <br />Mediation Services in an attempt to resolve the matter in a way that does not require an amendment to City Code. <br />Action: <br />Motion to direct Staff to perform additional research on this matter to better understand the secondary policy <br />implications before preparing an Ordinance and refer the matter to the Planning Commission. <br />Attachments <br />DRAFT City Council Minutes dated August 25, 2015 <br />Yard Definitions <br />Fence Standards <br />Proposed Fence <br />Inbox <br />Form Review <br />Reviewed By Date <br />