HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-08 Email_RedactedMezzapesa, John
From:
Mezzapesa, John
Sent:
Thursda June 8, 2023 10:58 AM
To:
Cc:
Subject
RE: 667 owar st fence
Hi -
Thanks for reaching out with your concems. I took a look at the permit and it appears that the fencing was
reviewed by the planning and building division and found to be in compliance with all pertinent regulations
In general, when fences are placed on retaining walls, a permit is required, and they cannot exceed 6' on the
uphill side and Ton the downhill side. The submitted plans are in compliance with these regulations. Both the
retaining wall and any fill that took place did not exceed the thresholds for the requirement of permits at the
time there were completed.
I have cc's the plans examiner on this email if you have specific questions regarding the walltfence structure.
I also wanted to confirm receipt of your previous email regarding the alterations to your fencing. It is difficult to
determine the height and if all the fencing has been removed in the photos, but as long as the fence is not over
6 feet, it should be found in compliance. We will inspect this to determine compliance along with the other
items after June 30n.
Let me know if you have any questions.
John Mezzapesa
Code Enforcement Supervisor
0 CPI`YOF
S"L[iiS OBISPO
Community Development
Building and Safety
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3668
E imezzaoesa(5slocitv.ora
T 805.781.7179
17.70.070 Fences, walls, and hedges. Q C dl O
F. Measurement of Height Where Fences or Walls Are Located on Retaining Walls.
1. Where fences at walls are located on retaining walls, the height of the retaining wall shall be
considered as pad of the overell height of the fence or wall_ Wells or fences must have a minimum spacing
of five feet between each other to be considered separate structures for purposes of measuring overall
height.
2. Where fences are located on a berm or mound, the height of the fence shall include the bens or
mound directly beneath the fence and above natural grade in the overall height measurement.
3. Where fences am located on retaining walls within interior side or rear setbacks, fences shall act
exceed six feet as measured from the uphill side 9 erected or replaced on top of the retaining walls, and
the combined fence and retaining wall height shall not exceed nine feet from the lower side, provided no
modification of grade has occurred from the original subdivision improvements and/or design approvals. A
building permit is required for the combined more and retaining wall height that exceeds six feet. If there is
evidence that a modification to the grade has occurred from the original subdlvisioNdesign approvals, the
height must be authorized through a fence height exception pursuant to Chapter / _a; (Director's
Action). For retaining walls in hillside areas, we also Section 17 70 090(C)(3) (Retaining Wells).
From:
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 7:35 PM
To: Mezzapesa, John <)Mezzape@slocity.org>; Buckley, Nick <nbuckley@slocity.org>
Subject: 667 howard st fence
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John,
It has come to my attention that the city has granted a permit for fencing at 667 Howard st. This is in stark contrast to
the listed municipal code. Code states max fence height 6' from grade. The property owner has increased the grade by
over 36" inches in some spots. This means the fence will be 9' above grade in my backyard.
According to your staff and everyone else I spoke with any fence atop a wall needed to be permitted in full. From the
foundation up. This is a blatant end run around the current building codes. There was no inspection of steel, footing
depths and or retaining wall thickness.
You and your staff cited me for a debris fence, yet will allow a fence over 9' above grade. Shame on you and your staff!