Gary, Bob, Board and neighbors,
It is unfortunate that this property owner did not follow the described process to build a fence but I can certainly sympathize with his plight. Many of us have had to make modifications to our homes and businesses over the last two to three years that are less than aestehetically pleasing as our only defense against the onslaught of criminal activity. Higher fences and walls, wrought iron gates, surveillance cameras, alarms and high intensity lights are not necessarily in keeping with the historical streetscape in Nob Hill but have become necessary for our own protection as our city leaders have neglected their responsibilities to make the area safe.
I found it particularly interesting that 311 calls regarding the height of a fence were answered but my regular calls regarding drug trafficking in our parks, speeding cars on our streets and vandalism to property don't merit any response.
I appreciate the Board's efforts to improve our community.
Van Eldredge
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Melodie and Gary Eyster via Neighbors_nobhill-nm <neighbors_nobhill-nm@mailman.swcp.com>
Date: 9/13/21 1:45 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: 'Robert L Anderson' <citizen@comcast.net>, 'Nob Hill' <neighbors@nobhill-nm.com>
Subject: Re: [Neighbors] Need info on issue of Silve/Richmond fence
the neighborhood in on it. The KRQE report you saw is not completely
accurate. For starters, the owner of 202 Richmond SE built a vinyl fence 6
ft. high in the front yard and street side yard without a permit.
The issue arose because one or more individuals called 311. Code compliance
checked it. The IDO allows a 3 ft. fence in the front or street side yard
with a permit. A taller fence in that area requires a variance and then a
permit. They said it needed a variance before it could be permitted.
When the zoning hearing examiner heard the request NHNA noted the broad
interest of the community in preserving our streetscape and
eyes-on-the-street. You can see details on the subject in the Fall Nob Hill
Newsletter just distributed and at www.NobHill-NM.com at the Modifying Your
Property tab.
We noted that when an owner applies for a permit before building, the IDO
requires contacting neighborhoods so everyone can explore the various needs
and seek a win-win. We wish we had been given that opportunity. SE Heights
NA overlaps our boundary and also has the address within its limits. It made
similar arguments. Examiner denied the variance.
Owner appealed as is his right. The appeal was heard and remanded to the
examiner. He heard it again and approved the variance.
We felt he got it right the first time and erred in several respects the
second time. We appealed as is our right. We felt a responsibility to those
who initially called 311 and to the broader community as far as standing up
for streetscape, eyes-on-the-street, and asking that the examiner grant
variances only in situations that are truly exceptional and warrant
something different than everyone else gets.
So Council heard the appeal last week. SE Heights NA, Victory Hills NA, and
South Los Altos NA sent Council statements in support. Council did not
decide, continuing the matter until Sept.20.
That's the current status. If you or any neighbor would like to discuss I
would be happy to meet up or talk by phone.
#VivaNobHill
Gary 991-1388
-----Original Message-----
From: Neighbors_nobhill-nm
[mailto:neighbors_nobhill-nm-bounces@mailman.swcp.com] On Behalf Of Robert L
Anderson via Neighbors_nobhill-nm
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 4:43 PM
To: Nob Hill <neighbors@nobhill-nm.com>
Subject: [Neighbors] Need info on issue of Silve/Richmond fence
I saw a news item on KRQE this past week on a controversy about a wall/fence
at the corner of Silver and Richmond. Maybe I have missed any discussion of
this on the list but if anyone can point me to it I would be thankful.
Thanks,
Bob Anderson
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