Is a front yard fence a city code violation?

[SabresFanInSA]

Originally Posted by Bo

FWIW, don't get too comfortable with that set of rules. A new set of property improvement codes is in the works in SA that will greatly increase the number of things that can't be stored outside on private property, and it will have much more specific requirements for the condition of fences.

The current code takes less than a dozen pages. The new code will be more than 60 pages.

I heard this from a member of the city committee that wrote the new code. At that time, the new regulations were on track to be approved by the council in May.

LOL local government found something that was missing some red tape?

[Trivet The Fool]

So, I'm guessing that already erected, done with permit approval front fences won't be grandfathered in.

[ged_782]

Originally Posted by Trivet The Fool

So, I'm guessing that already erected, done with permit approval front fences won't be grandfathered in.

If it was done with a permit, and it met applicable codes at the time it was erected, something like that is almost always grandfathered.

Some of the posts have mentioned that you have to comply with City codes (which generally allow a fence in front of a residence), and covenants and deed restrictions, which are often more stringent than the City codes, and may not allow a fence in front. The City doesn't enforce covenants, deed restrictions, and HOA rules, so it doesn't necessarily mean you're good to go if you get a permit from the City. But, if the developer is no longer active in your subdivision, and you don't have an HOA, unless an individual property owner takes it upon themselves to challenge you, there may be nobody enforcing those covenants/deed restrictions.

[RGJ]

Originally Posted by ged_782

If it was done with a permit, and it met applicable codes at the time it was erected, something like that is almost always grandfathered.

Some of the posts have mentioned that you have to comply with City codes (which generally allow a fence in front of a residence), and covenants and deed restrictions, which are often more stringent than the City codes, and may not allow a fence in front. The City doesn't enforce covenants, deed restrictions, and HOA rules, so it doesn't necessarily mean you're good to go if you get a permit from the City. But, if the developer is no longer active in your subdivision, and you don't have an HOA, unless an individual property owner takes it upon themselves to challenge you, there may be nobody enforcing those covenants/deed restrictions.

I believe you're correct. And eventually, if the neighborhood disregards those deed restrictions over the years, then it becomes easier for people to pretty much do what they want. Build a front yard fence, erect a carport, etc. But, you still need a permit

[Trivet The Fool]

If it was done with a permit, and it met applicable codes at the time it was erected, something like that is almost always grandfathered.

Thanks. Now I'm wondering if we should go ahead and get a carport installed now, before those new codes go into effect.