CENTERVILLE — It’s OK to make exceptions to the rules, as long as you get everyone to agree on what they are.

The Centerville City Council recently amended the city’s zoning ordinance to allow the rear lot fences along the south side of Porter Lane to be higher than in the rest of the city. The amendment, which now allows the fences to hit 8 feet if certain criteria is met, was designed to meet what are considered to be the relatively unusual needs of the area.

“It’s a very location-specific exemption,” said Centerville City Manager Steve Thacker. “There’s a creek channel between the road and the back of the property, so it’s not like someone putting up a huge fence next to a sidewalk or a park strip.”

The property owner who originally brought the issue before the planning commission was motivated to ask for the change by privacy concerns. The area used to be covered with thick vegetation that was recently removed by the power company, and the city built a berm on the other side of the fence for flood control. The berm, which is a raised area of land, makes it possible for people to see over a 6-foot tall fence while standing at the top.

The issue first came before the Centerville Planning Commission in September, where they recommended against it before sending it up to the council. The council then remanded the issue back down to the council with further questions, and the Planning Commission re-examined the issue and voted to recommend approval during their Nov. 12 meeting.

jwardell@davisclipper.com