At Fencing Direct, we sell all the possible materials homeowners might need to install their own fences. We know that adding a front yard fence to your home is big deal. Unlike fencing for your backyard, front yard fences are much more noticeable and frequently used. This means you must take a lot of various factors into consideration before you decide to build this structure on your property! There is no need to rush and make a decision. Take your time and think about it!
What Can a Front Yard Fence Do for You?
First, you need to figure out if you want a front yard fence and why you want it.
Do you want a protective barrier for your home? Fences can enclose and secure your property to function as a property line. This can make you feel safer in your house and even outside your house. You can feel more confident having the front yard fence as a barrier to make sure your children and pets are safe when playing outside. It also works as a sound barrier between you and a noisy street.
Front yard fencing can also be created for aesthetic design. Fences can be made out of masonry, metal, or even wood. You should take into account your home’s style and architecture when deciding what material to use. What color would accentuate your home’s style? For example, you can add a rock column to the gate of your front yard fence if your home has a rock exterior. Or, you can just add a gate that matches the natural architecture of your house’s front door. Certain aspects of the fence, such as height and length must take your local laws into consideration. For privacy, a taller fence is probably what you need. However, if you are looking to install a functional fence or one that visually connects with your home, a lower fence might be the better option.
Is Fencing Your Front Yard Allowed?
This is a critical point. You cannot even begin to consider installing a front yard fence without checking the laws about it. You must study the local codes because some neighborhoods prohibit any fences, while others can make you adhere to certain design standards. You can start by looking around your neighborhood to see if other houses have front yard fencing. If they do, try to investigate their size and how tall they are. City ordinances can have height restrictions for fences facing the street and the city can limit the type of material used. If you do not see any fences at the front of the houses in your neighborhood, there might be an HOA that prevents it. To figure this out, quickly phone your local city hall to get the information that you need.
Some other factors affect fencing laws. For example, you may have additional regulations to abide by if your home is located in a historic district. These districts can be strict when it comes to constructing items that are inconsistent with the historic look of the neighborhood. Another factor to consider is the street your home is located on. Some rules are specifically based on the street. For instance, they can control where the fence is located in regard to the street. They might say it must be a certain number of feet away from the edge of the street. Also, if you live in a subdivision, you should review the CC&Rs document (Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). These documents detail if front yard fences are prohibited or if there are any restrictions on where they can be built. However, if the wording is unclear, definitely reach out for assistance from your local planning department or get a land attorney.
If you do not abide by the city ordinance laws, you will be fined! So, do not overlook this crucial step. Anyone can send in a complaint to code enforcement and they will investigate whether the fence follows all the zoning ordinances. If they deem it is unlawful, you will be asked to remove the fence and be fined. In addition, neighbors can even file lawsuits against you simply because you have built a front yard fence that does not abide by the city’s ordinances.
What would your neighbors think?
To avoid any disputes, make sure to check in with your neighbors. If they do not want you to build a front yard fence and refuse to compromise, you might need to take action and get a mediator in order to communicate. Meditation is when a neutral third party gets involved to assist two or more people to try and resolve any disputes. Using a mediator, you and your neighbors should be able to find a resolution that everyone is satisfied with. For example, if your neighbor is worried about the fence’s design, you can decide to minimize the aesthetic impact your fence will have.
If front yard fencing is allowed, maybe look around and see if other homes in your neighborhood have them. It can also be good to ask your next-door neighbors for their opinion. You do not want them to be frustrated that your new front yard fence changes the character of the neighborhood. Look to see the style of front yard fences around your home so that you can stick to the neighborhood’s norm. this will create symmetry and keep neighborly peace.
The answer to the question of whether or not you should build a front yard fence for your home is that it simply depends. It depends on all the factors listed above. What is your purpose for getting a front yard fence and how would it look? Are you even allowed to get a front yard fence according to your city’s ordinances? If so, would your neighbors approve of the fence? If you do decide to install a front yard fence, make sure to reach out to Fencing Direct. We sell all the necessary materials for you to do your own DIY installation!
