Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning's proposed electric fence will stand near Sixth and Corning avenues. It'll be set back from its current fencing and several feet taller. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

A 10-foot-high electric security fence wrapped around a section of Oak Park neighborhood business Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning was approved by the Des Moines City Council this week.

Why it matters: The council's vote reverses a January decision by the Plan and Zoning Commission, which referenced a city ordinance that limits electric fences for public health and aesthetics reasons in its initial rejection.

Catch up fast: Since April 2022, Bell Brothers has had multiple incidents involving thefts, resulting in an estimated loss of around $70,000, Gassmann told council members.

Details: The electrified fence will run on a 12-volt battery charged by solar panels, according to city documents.

Zoom in: City code only allows electrified fences for agricultural uses associated with livestock, but there are some variances for businesses in heavy industrial areas, DSM Planning and Urban Design administrator Jason Van Essen, told zoning commissioners in January.

What they're saying: Coming into contact with the fence would be an unpleasant experience but it cannot permanently harm people — even those with pacemakers — because of its short blasts of current, Chris Heaton of Amarok Security told the City Council this week.

Of note: Bell Brothers declined Axios' request for comment but noted they're working with Prescott to address her concerns.

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