Baldwin Park : Fence Variance Denied

A local businessman who built a wrought-iron fence around his industrial building to keep out graffiti vandals has been denied a variance for the fence.

Fritz Ehlers told the City Council on Wednesday that he built the six-foot fence because he was tired of the constant vandalism. But council members unanimously denied his application for a variance, saying the fence was constructed illegally.

City staff members said city codes prohibit fencing around businesses because they give the appearance of “cages.”