Northport requires permit for fences

The Northport City Council unanimously approved a new fence ordinance Monday that places restrictions on fence construction. Residential fences can be no higher than eight feet in the backyard and no higher than four feet in the front yard.

A city permit is now required to build a fence in Northport.

The Northport City Council unanimously approved a new fence ordinance Monday that places restrictions on fence construction. Residential fences can be no higher than eight feet in the backyard and no higher than four feet in the front yard and cannot obstruct sight distances. For a commercial property, fences can be no more than 10 feet tall. Any fence eight feet or higher must be inspected by the city.

We are just wanting to put together something in policy form, said City Council President Jay Logan. To me, its a needed ordinance.

Northport did not have a fence ordinance previously, Logan said.

But, not everyone was happy with the idea. Councilwoman Judy Hayes said she was concerned with making people pay for a fence permit. It will cost $15 for a residential permit and $20 for a commercial fence permit.

People are complaining about the city restricting what they can do in their own yards, Hayes said. If we are forcing them to abide by new regulations, I dont feel like they should have to pay a fee.

But, the fee will recuperate city expenses from the permit, including inspection costs, Logan said.

The fence regulation only pertains to new fences or fences that are more than 50 percent damaged.

People can still do repairs on their existing fence without a permit, said Councilman Bart Harper.

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Northport requires permit for fences