HUNTINGTON BEACH : Resident Ordered to Tear Fence Down

The Planning Commission this week ordered a homeowner to tear down a fence around his house because it does not conform to building code requirements.

Hany Henein had illegally built a 6-foot wrought-iron fence along the sidewalk in front of his residence on Rocky Mountain Drive, near Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue, planning staff members said.

Under city codes, a residential fence may be no taller than 42 inches if it is built within 15 feet of public property.

After some of Henein’s neighbors complained--including one living next door to him--city Zoning Administrator Michael Strange called for the fence to be removed.

Henein appealed that decision to planning commissioners, who unanimously upheld Strange’s recommendation at their meeting Tuesday.

Neighbors complained that the wall was not compatible with others in the area, many of which are set back 5 or 10 feet from the sidewalk and include brick along with wrought iron.

They disliked Henein’s fence, however, because it was entirely wrought iron and ran along the property line.

Henein had argued his fence should remain because it is similar to others in the neighborhood. City planners acknowledged that claim, but said that those fences, too, are probably illegal.