According to an August 13 administrative interpretation from the Draper City Planning Division, a gate located in the front yard of a property must be placed 20 feet from the front property line. The decision involves a residence located at 12540 S 1700 E., which is situated in the RA2 (Residential Agricultural) zone.
The property is a 1.36-acre lot within the Duke Subdivision Amended. Under Draper City Municipal Code Section 9-27-080, fences, walls, or other visual obstructions located in a required front yard area must be 4 feet or less in height unless a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is obtained.
The gate in question ranges from 3 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 8 inches in height. Because it exceeds the 4-foot limit and is located within the 30-foot front yard setback required for the RA2 zone, a CUP was necessary. On May 28, 2026, the Planning Commission approved a CUP for additional fence height with a specific condition: the gate must be installed 20 feet from the front property line with the automatic gates opening toward the interior of the property.
The Planning Commission determined that the 20-foot setback was necessary to mitigate potential conflicts involving vehicles stopping in the public right-of-way while waiting for the gate to open. While the gate would be 23 feet from the end of asphalt improvements if installed on the property line, the unimproved area is part of the public right-of-way and could be improved with a sidewalk and parkstrip by the city.
The Zoning Administrator noted that they do not have the authority to modify or eliminate conditions placed by the Planning Commission. Property owners wishing to pursue the matter further may apply to amend the CUP, reduce the height of all fencing and gates to 4 feet or less, seek a text amendment to change the code, or appeal the determination.
