No ‘ugly’ fences in Oaks Historic District

If good fences make good neighbors, it logically follows that ugly fences get neighborhoods riled up, said Beaumont City Councilman Mike Getz during discussion of an ordinance to control the type of fences visible from the street in Old Town.

The Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance banning all fences except wood, wrought iron or brick in the Oaks Historic District, which was established in 1993 to preserve the historic character of the Old Town neighborhood. An overlay of city ordinances like the new one concerning fences is part of this effort.

The ordinance was proposed after an Old Town resident built a sheet metal fence that was deemed unsuitable to the character of the neighborhood, according to city documents.

Old Town residents are now prohibited from building fences (visible from the street) of sheet metal, chain link, concrete block, barbed wire or other building material without a variance from city council. The new ordinance also specifies height and location requirements, which are conditional.

Exceptions can be made for fences not in compliance if the applicant can prove it is historically sensitive or if absence of the fence poses significant hazard to life or property.

Getz said sheet metal fences are a hazard during hurricanes and also have other drawbacks, including being prone to rust and presenting a cutting hazard to children.

He proposed that the city have a work session to discuss expanding a fence ordinance to other neighborhoods in the city, not just Old Town.

ScMoore@BeaumontEnterprise.com

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No ‘ugly’ fences in Oaks Historic District