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
<span style="margin-left:73.0pt;">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 <span style="margin-left:73.0pt;">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.</span></span><p>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 permitted fencing</p><p> material. Therefore, approval of a zoning text amendment is required before vinyl fencing may be permitted.</p><p>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>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>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><strong>Existing Zoning Regulations</strong></p><p>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>Under the current ordinance, residential fences are permitted to be constructed of the following material:</p><div>1. Masonry (including brick, stone, or similar materials);<br>2. Wood;<br>3. Ornamental metal (such as wrought iron or aluminum);</div><p><br></p><p>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><strong>The purpose of this request is to consider adding vinyl as 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 long-term performance.</p><strong>Staff review </strong><p style="margin-left:0in;">Following the July 27, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the applicant submitted supplemental information regarding the proposed vinyl fencing. The applicant stated