Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/418584
70 • DECEMBER 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Fence ordinances from around the country As part of an ongoing and long-standing series, World Fence News offers this "snapshot" of build- ing ordinances which affect fence in- stallations from municipalities across the United States and Canada, includ- ing those in historic districts, which often have their own requirements. This information was taken from offi- cial web sites, but you should always consult the appropriate building de- partments where you plan to work for specific requirements. Amherst, New Hampshshire Amherst Village was built in the era of 1770 to 1840, therefore the Commission feels fencing in the dis- trict should always be in keeping with the period of architecture. The purpose of the fencing must be clearly defined when applying for a permit. Acceptable reasons include aesthetics, protection, and privacy. Granite posts with wooden rails, picket fencing and post and rail are accepted styles and are compatible with the historic homes. A variety of connecting fences along a property line is discouraged. Any fence along the front of a build- ing should always continue with the same style of fencing on the property sides (lines) as far as visible. Lattice fencing is encouraged for pools and privacy. Chain link, woven wood and stockade fencing are all considered inappropriate. In choosing the proper fence, the following should be considered: (a) Architectural period of the house. (b) Neighboring properties. (c) Existing fences in the neigh- borhood. (d) Height and style in relation to the house. Picket fencing is considered ap- propriate for colonial homes. The following are to be consid- ered when applying for a fencing per- mit: (a) Authentic reproductions are suitable, pleasant, and enhance prop- erty values. (b) With few exceptions, fences should be painted white. (c) Fencing shall not restrict views of neighbors. (d) When flat fencing is necessary, plantings should be used for screening where the fence is visible. (e) The fence should contribute to the property and not detract from it. Ypsilanti, Michigan The following guidelines provide some basic information regarding the installation of fences and/or walls within the historic district. All fences must meet local zoning and height regulations and be safely and properly installed. Established property line patterns and street and alley widths must be retained. Full perimeter fencing is not allowed. No more than two types of fenc- ing may be used on a single lot. New fences or walls must be de- signed so as to minimize their impact on existing historic fabric at the site. They must be compatible with the site in setback, size, and scale to pro- tect the historic integrity of the prop- erty. New fences or walls must be re- movable without impairing the essen- tial integrity of the historic property. All wooden fences must be paint- ed or opaque-stained in a color to complement the adjacent structure. Hedges and other natural plant- ings may be considered as alternatives to fencing. Hedges must conform to fence and wall regulations regarding size, location, and height. Brick or stone used for founda- tions, piers and/or walls must be com- patible with the structure/s on the site. The use of barbed wire spikes, nails, or any other sharp point or in- strument of any kind on top or on the sides of any fence is prohibited. Note: A certified survey of the lot to be fenced must be submitted with the fence permit application. The sur- vey must show the house, accessory structures, fences, etc. Fences to be installed on proper- ty lines must have a notarized letter from the adjacent property owner(s) and must be submitted with the appli- cation. McKinney, Texas To determine if you need a resi- dential fence permit, answer the fol- lowing questions: Is there an existing fence? If no, you will need a permit. If yes, read the next paragraph and answer the questions below. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, you will need a fence permit. Will the height be changed? Will the location be changed? If you answered yes to either of the above questions, your project re- quires a permit. If you answered no to both ques- tions, the project is considered to be a repair and does not require a permit. When applying for a fence permit, the site plan must show: Property lines Location of fence Height of fence Fence material (e.g., wood, wrought iron, etc.) Fence builder (homeowner or contractor name) Residential fences are usually re- viewed for plan approval at the count- er. The applicant usually leaves with a permit in hand the same day he/she applies for permit. Note: Fences in the Historic continued on page 72