|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 15:53:30 GMT
Post by camomoftwins on Sept 28, 2020 15:53:30 GMT
We are moving from the San Diego area (where every house has a fence) to Charlotte NC where it's mixed. My daughter's neighborhood is fenced, but our new house does not have a fence and our new neighborhood does not have any fenced yards.
We want to fence the new place. The backyard opens onto a lot that has a 35mph street but people speed on it. Our 9 year old Chihuahua would run off without a fence and might get hit by a car. I'm planning on putting a temporary pool in the yard for the grandkids each summer, which would require a fence as well.
I'm worried our neighbors will be unhappy if we fence our yard.
Has anyone here put up a fence in a formerly unfenced yard? Any thoughts, suggestions or insight?
TIA Martha
Edited to add, there's no HOA.
|
|
paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,039
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
|
Post by paget on Sept 28, 2020 15:56:43 GMT
That’s bizarre to me. I’ve never lived in a place where people Don’t have fences. I would think if someone knew the reasons - about your dog and the pool- they would understand even if they didn’t like fences. I’m still not comprehending why you wouldn’t like a fence though?? Do people just use the outside as one giant backyard? Lol I wouldn’t be comfortable outside in my yard being on full display to my neighbors. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Sept 28, 2020 15:58:56 GMT
I live in a community near a golf course. When it was new, 30 years ago, fences were discouraged. It was great, because our kids and all the neighbor kids ran all over.
The first person to add a fence was a new neighbor. We were not thrilled, but they were within their rights. We do have an association, BTW.
Now - at least half the yards are fenced.
Go ahead and add a fence if that is what works for you.
|
|
caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,675
Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
|
Post by caangel on Sept 28, 2020 15:59:59 GMT
We moved to NC in the late 80s into a brand new housing development. One of the first things my dad did was build a fence. I was a kid so no idea if the neighbors had issues but it didn't stop him.
|
|
Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
Jun 28, 2014 4:39:12 GMT
|
Post by Belle on Sept 28, 2020 16:02:18 GMT
If you are going to put a pool in and fences are required for a pool, not sure why it matters what the neighbors think?
What do most people do about their dogs if the don't have a fenced yard? Invisible fence or just let the dogs roam?
|
|
|
Post by femalebusiness on Sept 28, 2020 16:09:19 GMT
I can't imagine living without my property being fenced. My privacy is very important to me. It would never enter my mind to worry about what the neighbors thought about how I manage my property as long as it isn't an eyesore for the neighborhood. Go ahead and do what is best for your family and don't give it another thought.
|
|
|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 16:12:05 GMT
Post by camomoftwins on Sept 28, 2020 16:12:05 GMT
Thanks guys!
(I'm not putting in a permanent pool, just an above ground one.)
|
|
|
Post by Zee on Sept 28, 2020 16:13:22 GMT
That’s bizarre to me. I’ve never lived in a place where people Don’t have fences. I would think if someone knew the reasons - about your dog and the pool- they would understand even if they didn’t like fences. I’m still not comprehending why you wouldn’t like a fence though?? Do people just use the outside as one giant backyard? Lol I wouldn’t be comfortable outside in my yard being on full display to my neighbors. Good luck! Our yards in IA and PA were like this and yes it was like one giant back yard, fun to watch the wildlife come through. I don't have a fence here in GA either, some people do but I don't need it (my dog never runs off and she stays on her property when she does her business) and don't want it. I don't care if my neighbors can watch me drink beers outside.
|
|
|
Post by genealopea on Sept 28, 2020 16:18:17 GMT
Hey! I'm just outside of Charlotte - welcome! Nearly every community here has an HOA with specific rules about fencing and pools. In our neighborhood, we can only have black aluminum fencing and absolutely no above ground pools. You also have get approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before any changes can be made. Check your neighborhood's documents - your realtor should be able to provide them to you. . Charlotte's a great area to live - I hope you enjoy it here!
|
|
muggins
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,861
Jul 30, 2017 3:38:57 GMT
|
Post by muggins on Sept 28, 2020 16:21:33 GMT
We lived on the corner in an unfenced Neighborhood. When my kids were younger it was fine, but not when every kid can just walk over wanting to use the trampoline. I currently feel like I live in a goldfish bowl. We can see everything the neighbors do in their yards and they can see us too. I would check with the HOA before planning to build a fence. Our HOA only allows fences to be built around in-ground pools. Above ground pools are prohibited.
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,276
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
|
Post by iowgirl on Sept 28, 2020 16:22:47 GMT
Good fences make good neighbors I never had a fence growing up, and it was a fun neighborhood to run and play. But I think more people have pets now and fences are good. Check to see if there are any regulations on what kind of fence. And I think I would have a survey done (if you didn't have one when you purchased the house) to make sure you are putting the fence on your property lines, and not accidentally going over onto a neighbors property. Have the surveyors place flags and/or paint lines where the property line is.... and let the neighbors know what is up. You don't say that you are in a HOA - but if you are, you will need to comply with their rules aslo.
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on Sept 28, 2020 16:29:31 GMT
I think all depends on several factors.. If you live in a neighborhood with HOA rules. Where you are located could come in play.
Where I live fences were built with the houses.. Every house has a fence. HOA maintains part of it (anything that is the white plastic kind) Any homeowner that had to put their own fence in (mostly partial fences) are wood, they are required to maintain. No dogs are allowed to roam around.
Where my mom lives, there are no fences unless someone has a pool. There are two pools in the neighborhood I think.. and they just fence the pool, deck areas mainly. Everyone else, no fences and yes dogs roam the neighborhood. Guess it works for them. My mom says there are usually no complaints from anyone. Everyone looks out for the dogs and know who they belong to. My mom doesn't have a dog but the neighbor dog spends all day at her house. Probably cause they feed and water it.. LOL... (they don't care). Everyone seems to have that attitude. I don't think I would like.. but maybe because we are fence people. She also lives in the boonies.. Probably 30 houses in their 'neighborhood' that is on a big circle. And 90% of them probably retired or close to it.
|
|
|
Post by camomoftwins on Sept 28, 2020 17:14:45 GMT
Hey! I'm just outside of Charlotte - welcome! Nearly every community here has an HOA with specific rules about fencing and pools. In our neighborhood, we can only have black aluminum fencing and absolutely no above ground pools. You also have get approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before any changes can be made. Check your neighborhood's documents - your realtor should be able to provide them to you. . Charlotte's a great area to live - I hope you enjoy it here! Thanks! Our neighborhood has no HOA!
|
|
|
Post by greendragonlady on Sept 28, 2020 17:30:14 GMT
If you want a fence, put up a fence. Especially with no HOA. I would not want to live in a place with one, either. I don't want anyone telling me what I can and can't do on my property.
|
|
Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,790
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
|
Post by Kerri W on Sept 28, 2020 17:35:43 GMT
Hey! I'm just outside of Charlotte - welcome! Nearly every community here has an HOA with specific rules about fencing and pools. In our neighborhood, we can only have black aluminum fencing and absolutely no above ground pools. You also have get approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before any changes can be made. Check your neighborhood's documents - your realtor should be able to provide them to you. . Charlotte's a great area to live - I hope you enjoy it here! Thanks! Our neighborhood has no HOA! In our area, not having an HOA wouldn't mean there aren't restrictions. Just about every development has restrictions-even some rural properties that were large acreage parceled out into smaller lots. You would be best served to contact your realtor or your city/county planning and zoning department.
|
|
|
Post by bianca42 on Sept 28, 2020 17:51:52 GMT
Thanks! Our neighborhood has no HOA! In our area, not having an HOA wouldn't mean there aren't restrictions. Just about every development has restrictions-even some rural properties that were large acreage parceled out into smaller lots. You would be best served to contact your realtor or your city/county planning and zoning department. I agree with this. We decided on our current house because it has no HOA, however we found out a year in that there are covenants on the deed that restrict a whole bunch of things. The builder enforced the restrictions and when he finished the last lot, he handed over the governance to our non-existent HOA. 3 above ground pools went in and the neighborhood went bananas. They tried to get a HOA started and when that failed, a few neighbors got together and personally sued the above ground pool folks. They lost in court and the pools got to stay (although I think most of the people involved in the lawsuit moved). Supposedly, that means that none of the restrictions are now enforceable. (Which is good, since I never got a copy of the restrictions or was even told that they existed.)
|
|
|
Post by christine58 on Sept 28, 2020 17:52:21 GMT
Thanks guys! (I'm not putting in a permanent pool, just an above ground one.) You still might have to put a fence in...check your zoning laws.
|
|
|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 17:55:29 GMT
t2x likes this
Post by anniefb on Sept 28, 2020 17:55:29 GMT
Here fences are very common and unless you're living in a development with a body corporate with rules about what can and can't be done, individual house owners can usually do what they want. However, there are also requirements for fencing in some circumstances eg if you have a dog you need a fenced garden and any kind of pool on residential land (whether in ground or above ground) that is filled or partially filled with water also needs to be fenced with self closing gates.
|
|
|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 18:00:14 GMT
via mobile
Post by hop2 on Sept 28, 2020 18:00:14 GMT
As long as you do not have a home owners association to make its own rules. ( which you’d gave to read yours if you do since each one is unique )
Go on the towns website and look up what rules there are pertaining to fences. Usually you need to get a survey and place the fence properly in accordance with all zoning rules, setbacks & easements.
It’s usually pretty simple
Do not build it without applying for the proper permits ( zoning &/or construction permit ) because if you do someone will complain.
|
|
|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 18:07:12 GMT
via mobile
Post by cmpeter on Sept 28, 2020 18:07:12 GMT
It’s very rare to have a fence in my neighborhood. But, the lots are large (1 acre wooded lots). We have privacy because of the woods and bushes. It would be challenging to put up a fence.
|
|
|
Post by nlwilkins on Sept 28, 2020 18:27:05 GMT
I found fences to be handy when people did not pick up after their dog, but we don't have one now.
In the neighborhood we raised our daughters, we had three houses in a row with children that played together. The fences between the three backs yards were in need of repair to the point they were a danger. We pulled them down and ended up with three connected back yards. It was like having a playground for a back yard. But those were the days when we respected personal boundaries. No one came down to our yard to play early in the morning when we were still sleeping in on the weekend, or intruded on social gatherings such as Bar-B-Ques. I don't think it would work in society nowadays.
We do not have a fenced in yard where we are now. But we are about the only one in the neighborhood who doesn't. Our lot is a corner lot shaped more like a peninsula than a square. We have a street bordering our back yard as well as our front yard because the intersection of the streets is not a "plus" but more like a lopsided "X" with our lot located in the bottom half. Set back lines, gas lines and the like would make the part we would be allowed to fence smaller than we would like. Since we don't have any dogs, and do not have any urgent need for a fence we do without one.
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Sept 28, 2020 19:15:37 GMT
|
|
|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 20:31:23 GMT
Post by ntsf on Sept 28, 2020 20:31:23 GMT
a standard required code (could be different in your town) is to require permits of fences more than 6 ft tall. we are getting a fence put in and the company is insisting that they speak in person who owns the house behind us.. so there is no confusion on where the lot line is (steep hill.. brush, easement too)..she is happy to cooperate.
|
|
kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,407
Location: Lost in my supplies...
Oct 26, 2014 17:02:56 GMT
|
Post by kelly8875 on Sept 28, 2020 20:39:13 GMT
If there’s no HOA, then put up a fence My neighborhood only has a couple fences, with an HOA, and I got permission and put up a fence for our dogs. Most people either walk their dogs or have invisible fence. But our german shepherd needs a fence, it would have been a deal breaker on that house if we wouldn’t have had permission.
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Sept 28, 2020 20:40:05 GMT
Oh, and one thing I just thought of. Make sure you get a survey! People here are notorious for NOT getting surveys and not understanding where their land begins and ends. We have had trouble with 3 neighbors that come up to our land. NONE of them had surveys and did not know where the land was. One took a realtors word for it that they would own half of our land. Ha! We have had to have our land surveyed 3x in 8 1/2 years proving to all of these people that our land is ours and that our fence is INSIDE the lot line by at minimum of 6 inches. We have even hired an attorney. We have won each time. Makes me crazy that people don't have surveys. Don't know want to know what you are buying?
|
|
|
Fences
Sept 28, 2020 21:10:16 GMT
Post by camomoftwins on Sept 28, 2020 21:10:16 GMT
I am an hour north of Charlotte in the Foothills. My neighborhood is a mix but MOST have invisible fences. That is extremely common here. You may think they don't have one but they have an invisible one. We personally put up wrought iron fencing when we moved in as our acre was not fenced either. We have 3 dogs, and I do not like invisible fencing at all! It's your land. Do as you wish. And welcome to NC (the best state IMO). Thanks Patter!
|
|
|
Post by camomoftwins on Sept 28, 2020 21:12:10 GMT
I'm planning on fencing it because of the dog, and also because I want a temporary pool during the summers. (I grew up with pools, I'm aware of the need for a fence.)
We had a survey done, so we know the boundaries. There's no house behind us. (There's a vacant lot which abuts a street.)
Thanks everyone!
|
|
|
Post by Lexica on Sept 28, 2020 23:38:40 GMT
I have never lived anywhere that there were no fenced in backyards. It would feel very weird to me. I need a fenced in backyard for not only my dog, but my own peace of mind that no one is peeking in at me through the back windows, which is usually where bedrooms are located. It would just feel way too vulnerable. And yes, I know people can climb over a fence, but my dog would hear that and alert me to it.
Build your fence and if you are approached about it, tell them it is to keep your wandering dog off their property and to protect their children from your pool. How can anyone argue when you frame it as if it was to their benefit?
|
|