Paul and Kerri Jakubczak can now extend their six-foot-six-inch solid high white privacy fence along their back yard 115 feet at 17 Thompson Blvd. in Coldwater.

The director of the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities received approval for a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday after it determined the circumstances were unusual.

The house front faces east toward the cul-de-sac. Zoning ordinances limit front yard fencing to 4 foot, 6 inches and 50% opacity.

The cul-de-sac is the front of the Jakubczak home. Planner Dean Walrack said this is the only cul-de-sac in the city that ends in a home's backyard. The houses on Smith Street could erect the fence on their property at their expense under the ordinances.

The planner said granting the variance won't set a precedent because no other similar situation exists.

"We went ahead and fenced our backyard because we have a dog, but also to give us a little bit more privacy," Jakubczak said.

No neighbors objected to the fence.

The city council agreed last week to deed 900 square feet on the west side of the cul-de-sac to the Jakubczaks. The property on the east side of the cul-de-sac was transferred as part of that lot. With a home due south, where the street ends, it is not likely the road would ever be extended.

Construction started on three houses on Thompson Blvd. More are expected. Jakubczak said the fence would shield the back of the Smith Street home from car lights coming down the street.

Commissioner David Cole said, "I think we wouldn't even be here if the neighbors on Smith Street said, 'we want to build a wooden fence.' They could build a rear-yard fence across there, and it'd be a moot point. They'd just pull a fence permit and put it in because it's a rear fence."