When a trellis becomes a wall and a $40,000 problem

Borough resident Ed Schlaffer is pictured making his case before the Milford Borough Council Monday evening. Schlaffer unsuccessfully sought a council endorsement of his variance application, filed for the new structure he added to his Mill Street home. While he has since learned that it meets the borough’s definition of a fence, he insists it was built as a trellis, to be covered entirely with plants. He said he asked before starting what has become a $40,000 project, and was told that a trellis did not need a building permit. At 12’ in height it is twice the 6’ allowable zoning maximum for a fence. Schlaffer says the height is required because of the steep , fall-away grade of the property. Council members agreed the project was attractive. “It’s pretty,” Solicitor Robert Bernathy said, “but that’s not our problem... You have to avail yourself of the ordinance before you build.” Borough President Matt Osterberg said, “I don’t know how you could build that planked wall and not call it a fence.” Schlaffer’s next appeal will be to the zoning hearing board.