Featuring fences

Is the idea of a fence on a residential property to keep the kiddos safe, contain Fido, screen an area for privacy or create a decorative backdrop for landscaping?

A residential fence usually starts with the homeowner's imagination and grows into a napkin sketch drawn while sitting at the kitchen table looking out the window. In our case, after some discussion and the napkin drawing, any drive or walk led to detours to scout out other types and styles of fences to see what we thought would best suit our needs, complement our house and property and work well with our neighbors.

For a pre-installation, two-dimensional view of what the project will look like, the simple sketch will morph into a drawing with measurements and details that include all permanent structures, trees, landscaping elements and obstacles. Fence selection Consider maintenance, initial cost, appearance and architectural compatibility when you're choosing a fence style and material.

A privacy fence usually is at eye level or higher and solid. A semi-private fence has some solid components but includes open designs at the top or between posts. A decorative fence is just that intended to be an aesthetic element, but not to contain space or minimize or block visibility.

Wooden fences, whether pressure-treated, unfinished or a painted wood, require periodic maintenance. You'll need to clean and reseal, stain or paint it, while a vinyl fence needs to be rinsed. Metal fences, including aluminum and steel, often offer more decorative elements, but steel requires additional upkeep and periodic repainting, and aluminum is more maintenance-free. Zoning Municipal zoning comes into play with almost all types of building and, to some extent, fences fall under that category. There are height, location and, sometimes, style restrictions.

In Lancaster city, for example, "Fences have to be on a homeowner's property, and if the property lines need to be determined, they should engage a surveyor to find the corners," says Walter Siderio, city zoning officer.

Other municipalities may have rules similar to those in Lancaster city, height limits of 4 feet on street frontage and 6 feet for rear fences. The finished side of a fence must face away from the property and no two fences can be within 5 feet of each other, according to Siderio.

Variances can be sought for fence situations that don't adhere to regulations, Siderio says, and should be sought before construction.

Whether a permit is required depends on the municipality, according to Siderio, who noted that in the city, the only requirement is that a project plan be filled out to be kept on record with the city.

The City of Lancaster website, for example, explains fence guidelines and requirements and recommendations (cityoflancasterpa.com). Homeowners are urged to check with their municipality's zoning officer, who will be able to guide the project and answer questions. Materials Stick-built fences usually have wood or vinyl components. Each picket, slat and post is individually assembled, and there are pre-assembled or manufactured panels in almost all fence materials. Stick-built fences allow the pickets to follow the property's contour.

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