Fence Ordinance Cleanup Aims to Fix Issues for Double‑Frontage Lots
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Fence Ordinance Cleanup Aims to Fix Issues for Double‑Frontage Lots

Wooden fence under blue sky. Text: "Fence Ordinance Cleanup Aims to Fix Issues for Double-Frontage Lots." Logos: City of Watertown, Northeast Radio SD.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council reviewed a first reading of an ordinance amendment designed to fix fence‑height issues affecting homeowners with double‑frontage lots.


Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten said the city discovered the problem after updating the fence ordinance last year.


“Double frontage lots run into issues with not allowing fences greater than 48 inches in the front yard setback,” Hanten said. “This allows the secondary front yard to utilize up to a seven‑foot fence.”

Under the proposal, property owners would be able to designate which side they consider their primary front yard.


“Clearview triangles will always be protected for driveways and whatnot,” Hanten added.


Councilman Dan Schutte mentioned recent activity on the Board of Adjustment, saying the change reflects what the board has already been approving.


“We’ve had a few of these requests in the last couple months,” Schutte said. “They’ve been approved unanimously both times, so this is really just cleaning up some details.”


The ordinance will return for a second reading.


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