December 11, 2023 |
Photo – Plain chain link fence or privacy chain link – Bigfoot99 file photo
Rawlins officials debate the type of fence needed in the city’s industrial zone.
In August of 2021, the city of Rawlins rescinded Title 19, the ordinance governing property zoning within the city. Since that time, Community Development Director Lou Lascano has been working on a replacement ordinance.
The amended language to Title 19 dictates how the city defines residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The ordinance requires towing, salvage, and junk yard owners to have their properties secured with an eight-foot-tall perimeter fence that blocks outside views of their lots.
During a special work session on November 21st, the Rawlins city council discussed the fence requirement. Community Development Director Lou Lascano said the city has been having trouble enforcing the ordinance for nearly 35 years. Lascano said most business owners simply ignore the fence requirement.
The city requires salvage and towing yards to have an eight-foot-tall opaque fence. Lascano said business owners have asked if blocking the public’s view of their property is necessary. The community development director said in his opinion, the wind creates significant problems with the slats needed to make the fences opaque.
Lascano said business owners also questioned the height requirement for their fences. The community development director said taller fence doesn’t provide added security against someone determined to break into the property.
Mayor Terry Weickum said the city investigated requiring industrial property owners to install opaque fences in the past. Mayor Weickum said the necessary reinforcements to prevent the fences from blowing over costs a lot of money.
Mayor Weickum added that an opaque fence would allow an intruder to spend more time vandalizing a property without being seen. The mayor also said opaque fences create large snow drifts.
Vice Mayor Steve Sanger asked Lascano why the ordinance contained the fence height and opacity requirements. Vice Mayor Sanger said unless properly reinforced, adding slats to a chain link fence will cause problems with the wind.
Councilman Bruce Seilaff said he believes that eight-foot-tall opaque fences are required by federal law for properties that can be seen from the highway.
Mayor Weickum instructed Lascano to meet with local business owners to get their input on any potential fence ordinance changes. The mayor said people with a stake in the city should be part of the discussion.
At the December 5th Rawlins city council meeting, Interim City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave said the Title 19 fencing ordinance change will affect many businesses. Attorney Maberry-Nave said the city will gauge public reaction before deciding how to move forward.
The city is working on an online survey for interested property owners to fill out. No date has been given for when the survey will go live. Residents are encouraged to check the official Rawlins website for more information about the Title 19 public comment period.
