[RP TownTalk] Fences - the tall and the short of it

[Andrew Farrington]

I'm really not at all sure I understand the distinction between "side 
yard" and "back yard" fences.  Where does the "side yard" end, and the 
"back yard" begin?

Also, is this going to affect existing fences?

  -Andrew Farrington
4605 Queensbury Road


On Wed, 18 Oct 2006, Dwight Holmes wrote:

> I appreciate all the hard work that's going into this process (would 
> that citizens always had such a good opportunity to hear, understand, 
> and have input on legislative proposals!!!) and how difficult it is to 
> find the right balance.
>
> Personally, I strongly agree with those who favor more stringent control 
> over front fences -- let them be short and attractive -- and much less 
> control over side and rear fences.  In a town such as ours that has such 
> a wide diversity of lot sizes and types of homes -- not to mention 
> diversity of people! -- I think it prudent that the town adopt less 
> stringent rules for side and rear fences.  Be it for dogs, privacy or 
> just good ol' personal preference, up to 6' fences seems reasonable for 
> those who want them.
>
>
> On 10/17/06, Rob Oppenheim <rob.oppenheim at comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>  *Fence Meeting Status*
>> 
>> The fence meeting on Monday 10/16 went well and will be continued next 
>> week, probably on Thr Oct 26 at 8 pm although the date and time is not 
>> yet firmly set (It might get switched to Tuesday Oct 24.)
>> 
>> We have not finished discussing fences and have not yet discussed 
>> hedges.
>> 
>> Two people have spoken strongly against allowing tall side yard fences 
>> and no one has yet spoken (at the meeting) in favor of allowing them. 
>> So the likely outcome will be to limit side yard fences to 4 feet and 
>> rear yard fences to 6 feet.
>> 
>> I will try to find the time tomorrow to summarize other discussions 
>> from the fence meeting. Here is the tall vs short fence summary.
>> 
>> ** *Arguments for banning tall fences run along these lines* 1) Less 
>> Friendly -- tall fences inhibit over-the-fence conversations. 2) 
>> Aesthetics -- tall fences are ugly and block open views.
>> 
>> *1) Friendliness vs Privacy*
>> 
>> I love saying hello to my neighbors over the rear fence. (I have great 
>> neighbors). And I would certainly not want a privacy fence around any 
>> part of my yard.
>> 
>> For others, their home is their castle and they want to be left alone 
>> in a private comfortable setting. Away from what they view as prying 
>> eyes. A privacy fence is important to their comfort.
>> 
>> So how do we legislative between people who love open friendly 
>> neighborhoods and those who prefer more private settings?
>> 
>> My feelings are: The front yard has the greatest impact on all, so I am 
>> OK with requiring shorter open fences in the front yards. (Actually, I 
>> would prefer no front yard fences at all, but so far, that has not 
>> caught on here in RP).
>> 
>> For the side and rear yards, I lean toward respecting property rights 
>> and allowing the owner to choose between open and private yards.
>> 
>> Your views on this need to be heard!
>> 
>> *2) Aesthetics *
>> 
>> ** There are some very attractive tall fences and some pretty ugly ones 
>> too and some house styles do not lend themselves to tall side fences at 
>> all, but is that a good reason to outlaw such fences for all homes?
>> 
>> Legislating aesthetics is always problematic as people have different 
>> views on what is or is not aesthetic. The proposed fence code requires 
>> rot resistant materials be used, so at least one source of the uglies 
>> would be eliminated.
>> 
>> -Rob
>> 
>