Hold a public hearing, discuss, and consider making a recommendation to the City Council on an ordinance amending portions of City Code Chapter 106, "Zoning," Article 8, "Landscaping, Screening & Open Space Standards," Section 106.93, "Screening and Fencing," subsection D, "Single-Family Residential Fencing," to allow vinyl fencing as a permitted fencing material for residential privacy fencing. <

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

<p style="margin-left:0in;">The applicant has requested a zoning text amendment to Chapter 106 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow vinyl fencing as a permitted fencing material within residential zoning districts in the City of Crowley. The request was initiated in conjunction with a proposed fence replacement at 520 E. Glendale Street, which is zoned R-3 Single-Family Residential.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">The current zoning ordinance permits wood, masonry, ornamental metal, and other materials specifically authorized by the zoning ordinance. Vinyl fencing is not currently identified as a permitted fencing material. Therefore, approval of a zoning text amendment is required before vinyl fencing may be permitted.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">The purpose of this zoning text amendment request is to consider whether vinyl fencing should be added as an allowable fence material within the City's zoning ordinance.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Vinyl fencing has become increasingly common in residential developments because it offers a consistent appearance and can require less routine maintenance than traditional wood fencing. However, concerns have also been raised regarding long-term durability, including performance during extreme heat, hail events, impact damage, discoloration, cracking, and the ability to repair damaged sections.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Because this amendment would establish regulations applicable citywide rather than for a single property, staff requested additional information from the applicant to better evaluate the proposed material and its long-term performance.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Existing Zoning Regulations</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Section <strong>106.93 – Screening and Fencing</strong> of the City of Crowley Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance establishes the permitted fencing materials and standards for residential properties.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Under the current ordinance, residential fences are permitted to be constructed of the following materials:</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Masonry (including brick, stone, or similar materials);</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Wood;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ornamental metal (such as wrought iron or aluminum);</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Vinyl fencing is <strong>not currently listed as a permitted fencing material</strong> under Section 106.93. As a result, the proposed fence cannot be approved under the existing regulations.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>The purpose of this request is to consider adding vinyl as an approved material. The amendment, if approved, would allow it (no additional consideration required after the amendment is approved). </strong>If the amendment is approved, the City may also wish to establish standards addressing material quality, installation, durability, appearance, and maintenance to ensure compatibility with surrounding development and lon

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.4/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.