The Independence City Council unanimously enacted a new ordinance that added regulations governing fencing on private property at their meeting Monday night.
The new ordinance allows fencing on corner residential lots based on the layout of a given land plot. It split lots into two categories: standard corner lots and reverse corner lots. A standard lot has its rear property line facing the rear property line of another house. A reverse lot has its rear property line facing the front or side of another house. The new ordinance allows front yard fencing on standard corner lots but not reverse lots.
Independence passed an ordinance in 2021 that prohibited fencing in front yards throughout the city. Monday’s ordinance, on the other hand, went before the Kenton County Planning Commission in March, following conversations with residents who had contacted the city, according to City Manager Chris Moriconi. Kenton County Planning Services staff members stated in March that several appeals to the county Board of Adjustments had also been made about the issue, which prompted the city to consider changes.
The council completed a first reading of the ordinance in April, where several residents came to speak about fencing regulations throughout the city and how it affected their properties. No residents spoke on the ordinance on Monday.