Fence Height Discussion Continues

Buffalo Grove officials resumed their discussion about fence heights last week, but came no closer to deciding whether to that requires residents to get permission to install fences more than 5 feet high.

solicited feedback from residents in January and February, when homeowners had the opportunity to comment on whether the village should routinely allow them to install 6-foot fences.

Deputy Building Commissioner Brian Sheehan said the village received 557 responses.

Nearly two-thirds of the respondents urged the board to increase the maximum fence height. But, Sheehan emphasized, the survey was not a scientific one. A review of Internet provider addresses revealed that residents on both sides may have cast multiple votes, he said.

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted in December to deny the increase in fence height, while village staff members recommended that trustees allow taller fences.

“In my mind right now it’s somewhat of a toss up,” said Trustee Jeff Braiman, who suggested that the village ask the police department for input.

Village staff members were directed to draft an ordinance, which will be brought back to the Village Board for consideration.

Residents responded to the survey with arguments for and against 6-foot fences.

These were among the comments received by the village:

• When neighbors with decks are outside, five feet isn't enough. I'd prefer not watching them BBQ, and I'm sure they don't want to watch me drool.
• People should be able to build a fence any height that they please!
• I think the extra foot affords homeowners the opportunity for extra privacy or to conceal a neighbor's unsightly property.
• We are on a corner. A taller fence would help us with privacy and noise reduction in our backyard.
• It is difficult to get a 5 ft. fence off the "floor" of Home Depot, or Menard’s. It has to be special ordered.
• We have a small "barky" dog. If we were allowed a 6' solid vinyl fence, we, and our neighbors, would be very happy!
• This isn't Mayberry. If people want to gab over their fences, they should move to a small town.
• I think it should be whatever height you want it to be for purposes of guarding your privacy. A strict height, I think is just wrong.
• I'm unsure what an additional 12 inches would accomplish.
• I fear for what the neighborhood will look like when a 5ft fence butts up against a 6ft fence. It won't be pretty and I don't think that is what you want. I certainly don't.
• We should not create more isolation for houses. There is plenty of privacy afforded by a 5 foot fence. We should allow decorative fence posts to exceed the limit by a few inches.
• Fences are generally pretty ugly so I would prefer no fences. Let’s not make a bad thing worse.
• Seems like 5 feet should be high enough; with 6 ft fences all over the neighborhoods we hardly be promoting getting to know the neighbors.