Community Chat

[JeanLouiseFinch]

First and foremost, you need to check the city or subdivision ordinances and covenants to make sure you can have a fence.   Even if it's allowed, you could end up with unhappy neighbors on either side of you as well as other around you because you're changing the look of the area.  Not the best way to make a first impression, really.  Honestly, though, I don't know how a fence is going to mask any barking.  It will take some work on your part, but you can train your dog not to bark.  Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds, a non-barking dog, no fence, and a happy neighbors at the same time?

[Mom2Dogs]

Yes, the decorative side faces the neighbors.

I would paint/stain both sides..when you start the process on one side of the fence, the product will most likely seep thu the cracks and openings to the other side.

We have always had a fence, this last time we invested in vinyl....easier upkeep, you will have to repaint/stain your fence in a few years.  The vinyl is more expensive up front but much less upkeep in the end.

[debic]

Since the builder usually gets the ugly side I like this style.  Horizontal or vertical.  

Agree with everyone who says check with local regulations.  And I believe you are responsible for the upkeep on both sides. So neighborly cooperation is a good thing.

[Mom2Dogs]

forgot to mention you may need a permit and you also will need to know your lot line measurements.  In our neighborhood you cannot put anything right on the line, there is an easement for electrical, etc.

[lulu2]

Our fence installer told us the "good" side is not placed on the outside to make the neighbors happier because it is more pleasing to the eye, rather it's a safety thing.  If rungs and posts are on the outside, it is easier for a trespasser to climb the fence and invade your property.  This is particularly important if there is a pool.

[nana59]

Depends on whether or not you like your neighbors!!!

[nun ya]

yes, as others have said check with the zoning officer and see if you need a permit first.

Ours are allowed right on the side property lines but not in the front lawn right of way. 

I have a wooden fence, if I were to do it again, I would get the resin, no upkeep. 

We had the surveyor come, since the pins were already buried in the ground, they charged $100 to mark the line.

If you just bought the property, the survey was already done, I imagine

[IamMrsG]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

I'm chuckling at the idea that a fence will make any difference when It comes to all that barking from your dog.  I feel sorry for those neighbors.  I think if you want to be a good neighbor, you should discuss the fence with the neighbors first.  It's on your property, you don't need their permission but it would be nice to bring them in on the plan and discuss the type, height and your chronic barker.   

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My comprehension of her text is that her dog barks at what he sees, hence the attempt at blocking his view.  

[Anne001]

1. Check with Town Hall for any ordinances or permit requirements.

2. Get your property surveyed and have them install at least steel markers though you may not want the usual granite corner markers. If there is any question on markers and where they may have to go, you can instead install witness markers on the inside of the corners of your property.
3. Let the neighbors know before installing; and, ask them what they want to do on their side, or if they even care.

4.. Where: NEVER on the property line. That may give co-ownership to your neighbor and could create all kinds of future problems. Maybe not with this current neighbor, but with a future one.

5. If the fence you install has a visible cross-member support and an all picket side (good/pretty side), the all picket side faces the neighbor. You get the less pretty side.

6. Any support maintence is done on your side so as to maintain their "view".

7. Send registered letters to all abutting neighbors and to Town Hall (to be placed in your property's file) detailing the survey, any markers, and requiring or forbidding permission to link up. Make sure everyone around you knows exactly what you have done and expect from them.
Usually;
a. the fence is placed 3+ feet back from the property lines to allow you to maintain both sides of the fence and the grounds. This prevents future link ups without your permission too.

OR

b. at, not on, the property line. (Future link up problems with this.)

If you install at the property lijne or only go back a few inches, you cannot fit on them and you will need their permission to be on their property for any maintenance - grounds or fence. (Otherwise you are trespassing.)

Also, if you do not obtain it, the neighbor will need to maintain their side and they may not be kind or as careful around the fence materials.

And, should your fence fall over (even if it is leaning over "in the air") you will be infringing upon their property. If could become an unpleasant situation.

We have 3 fences around us. All at or near the property lines and we have had some very unpleasant exchanges with the fence ownerrs regarding their behaviors and our rights. We are still trying to get one neighbor to fix all the leaning fence sections, since they are leaning into and blocking acess to some of our property. And they are dangerous! They've already killed some of my plants.
Remember, your mortgage company requires you to have insurance. Theirs does too. And insurance companies expect the owners to protect their property!

Suggestions:

1. set the fence a few inches off the ground so that the panels don't rot as quickly. (Looks ratty)
2. Install chicken wire or 1/4-1/2" hardware cloth along the bottom to keep your dog  on your property.You may want to to bury it a few inches down to make sure it does not dig under it too.

3. Keep it maintained. It will last longer. And your neighbors will appreciate it. 
 BUT, do not wash it so that the spray carries into your neighbor's yards. Ditto painting.
Good relations count!

[Lovethesea]

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wismiss wrote:

I have just bought a home.  My dog is a barker--barks at cars going by, people walking by, bikers,etc.  So, I want to install a privacy fence so her barking is kept to a minimum and the neighbors won't be upset.

My question to you is, aren't you upset that your dog barks "at cars going by, people walking by, bikers, etc"?  If you and your dog have already moved into your new house, your neighbors are no doubt already upset that your dog barks so frequently.  Why would you want to keep such a dog and fence it in?  Why have a dog at all when there are much quieter pets available?  Just curious.