“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” — But, What’s a “Good Fence??”

Step #1: What Are the Local Setback Requirements?

Robert Frost’s line is often quoted, but seldom defined: what is it exactly that makes a “good” fence good?

Here are my four criteria:

One. Aesthetic. Acceptable fence materials include wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, wrought iron, and wire.

Any of the above can be attractive — or ugly!

In general, the quality of the fence should be consistent with the fair market value of the home.

Warning to corner cutters: just like cheap replacement windows will devalue a classic, century-old old home filled with character and fine details, so, too, will an off-putting fence.

Two. Condition. No, fences generally don’t require lots of maintenance. But, a good fence can’t be listing, rusting, or obviously deteriorating, either.

Boilers, roofs, and water heaters all have expected life spans — so do fences.

Three. Height. A good fence is private — just not too private.

The optimal height seems to be about 6′.

That’s high enough to create the desired privacy, while simultaneously keeping in pets, kids, etc.

Meanwhile, 6′ is not so high that it looks like the fence is surrounding a high security prison (minus the barbed wire).**

Interestingly, there’s no rule against having a higher fence to the alley side, where more privacy is desired, and a lower height between (hopefully) friendly neighbors. See, photo above.

Four. Location.

There’s no such thing as a good fence that encroaches on a neighbor’s yard.

It’s not enough that a fence be located wholly on the owner’s land; it must also conform to local setback requirements.

For all those reasons, it can be smart to have a surveyor identify the boundary line(s) beforehand.

**As suburban gardeners know, to a deer, hurdling a 6′ fence is like a person stepping over a small puddle.

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