CCMIN051501 - Laserfiche WebLink

said weed problems on developed lots like this would normally be handled by Code Enforcement. Ms. Ayala felt the idea of the wire fence was for aesthetic reasons. She asked if landscaping was required behind wooden fences? Mr. Swift said typically landscaping is not required. Mr. Campbell asked who would have to pay for the suggested landscaping? Mr. Swirl said landscaping is on the Lus' property and they would have to pay for it. Tracy Lu, 8031 Bethel Lane, indicated she has been trying to keep the solid wood fence for two years. She explained there are weeds, because they did not want to proceed with landscaping until the fence issue was resolved. She felt because the City had made exceptions for other property owners, including the Scotts, that she should be able to retain her solid fencing. Suggestions have been made to them to get compensation from their realtor or the prior owner for this problem, but she and her husband do not want money, they just want to keep the fence. She urged Council to approve the Planning Commission recommendation. Ms. Michelotti asked if she had seen open fencing in other places with landscaping. Ms. Lu said she had reached a compromise at one point, but because of the adverse relationship with the Scotts, her husband did not want them to be able to look down on their property. There was a long history of difficulties in this situation between the prior property owner, the builder of the house and with the Scotts. She did not feel a compromise was possible. The Scotts have a solid fence and she wants a solid fence too. Ms. Michelotti felt the orientation of the two homes and location of fencing are different situations. Ms. Ayala asked how much Ms. Lu cared about the oak tree. Ms. Lu said that was a principal reason for purchasing the house. She had no idea there were problems about the fence when she bought the home. It was moved by Ms. Dennis, seconded by Mayor Pico, to deny the appeal and approve the staff recommendation. Ms. Michelotti did not support the staff recommendation. She would support solid fencing around the oak tree, but no solid fencing should have been allowed at the back of the lot. If it is done, it should be limited to five feet solid fencing with one foot of lattice at the top. She felt that was tall enough to shield the windows. She recommended open fencing to the drip line of the tree with solid fencing the rest of the way. She wanted the landscaping to be shrubs and no trees that would block the view of the uphill neighbor. This fence should never have been approved at that height. Pleasanton City Council 7 05/15/01 Minutes