Primer on Fence Height Choice, Part 1

If you’re considering installing a new fence on your property, one of the first and most important considerations you’ll make is the height you desire. Fences come in a variety of different heights based on your property’s needs, with different corresponding costs and maintenance needs.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, our experts can help you make this and several other important decisions whether you’re looking at our vinyl, wood, chain link or wrought iron fences. There are actually several factors that play into your fence height, possibly including local regulations that you have to consider. In this two-part blog, we’ll look at these regulations, your potential options for getting around them, and some different fence heights along with their frequent corresponding uses.

Local Limits

One of the first things to think about when considering your fence’s height is the regulations imposed by your municipality. These rules are sometimes defined at the state level, but it’s more common for them to actually vary based on individual cities and even townships or communities – that means we won’t be able to give you hard and fast rules in this blog, but all municipalities with these kinds of restrictions have easy-to-access resources that allow you to find the specific numbers.

In some areas, six feet will be the maximum fence height in the back yard while four feet will be applicable for front yards. This is often because taller fences create blind corners where children and pets could be in danger of running into traffic. But other locations may have various different guidelines, and these may even include the type of material you use.

HOA Restrictions

In some cases, your homeowner’s association (HOA) will actually have tighter restrictions than your municipality. This often isn’t the case only for height, but for other factors like color and material type also. Again, these are easy to access – you just ask for the bylaws of the association, and ensure you’re in compliance with all their rules so you aren’t fined or forced to tear the fence down (at your expense).

Variance Application

If you’re dealing with a restrictive HOA, there’s only so much you can do to get around these kinds of fencing height regulations. In cases where the only obstacle is your municipality, though, you may be able to apply for a variance when you submit your fence permit application to your local code department.

As an example, perhaps your back yard sits opposite of a designated wooded area where deer or other wildlife regularly visit. In these cases, you might be able to provide justification for why you need a higher fence – to keep these animals away from your family and vegetation. The same theme might apply for several other circumstances. Your variance application won’t always be approved, but you can improve your chance by providing good reasoning and also getting support from your neighbors (this plays a real role).

For more on height regulations for your fence, or to learn about any of our fence services, speak to the pros at Utah Fence Warehouse today.