Greenbelts and backyards (Phoenix: HOA, houses, neighborhood)

[PhoenixSomeday]

So what's the deal with all the houses that back up to greenbelts in some HOAs having their backyards totally exposed? Is this "for the views"? Why would the builder think people want this security vulnerability and complete lack of privacy? Is it in the CCRs that it has to be exposed, or can you put up a real fence (be it wood or block wall or whatever)? Is this is a case of people just going with it because it is the way it is, kind of like the postage stamp lots these day?

[DetroitN8V]

I've seen some covered up with hedges. Obviously each HOA will have its own rules.

[LBTRS]

Those are generally premium lots that have "view fencing" and they cost more. At least that is the case in my neighborhood.

In our neighborhood if it is a view fencing lot you can't put up a block wall where the lots on each side have view fencing. It has to match the rest of the lots in that area.

[KurtAZ]

I will add to LBTRS's comment that many of the homes in our area that have view fencing have grown shrubs or other vegetation along their fences to eliminate prying eyes.

[hikernut]

I would never want to live on one of those lots. It’s beyond stunning to me that people will pay a premium to buy them.

[AZJoeD]

Interesting topic. I lived in Illinois for 40+ years and most houses did not have fences or if you had a fence it was see-through (ranch style or cyclone). People knew where their lot lines ended by where they cut the grass. I still get a lot of people that move here from the midwest that ask "What is with all these block walls?" "How do you ever get to know your neighbors?"

A lot of upscale subdivisions leave open space between houses and consequently, they use view fencing to make the yard seem larger. What good is open space if it is all blocked off by walls?

As for putting up a wall or blocking it off, that would be up to the community rules.

[Ponderosa]

I have a greenbelt (pretty brown though, haha). My back fence is a view fence which is block for about 2 feet from the ground and then vertical bars above that. It gives a very open feeling while still providing security. Our greenbelt is a preserve in that it is marked for no entry. It works pretty well for privacy, but during holidays some out of town visitors' kids seem to think the rules don't apply to them. It's cool seeing the quail and rabbits and occasional coyote on the "hill". Better than looking at people's roofs for sure.

[PhoenixSomeday]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

Those are generally premium lots that have "view fencing" and they cost more. At least that is the case in my neighborhood.

Premium??? Holy smokes. Well, I guess there's a lot of people where privacy is not a concern. Wow.

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

I will add to LBTRS's comment that many of the homes in our area that have view fencing have grown shrubs or other vegetation along their fences to eliminate prying eyes.

Growing a bunch of dense greenery is exactly what I would be doing, that's for sure (unless a particular cartel has rules against even that too).

Originally Posted by hikernut

I would never want to live on one of those lots. It’s beyond stunning to me that people will pay a premium to buy them.

My thought exactly. It truly blows my mind.

Originally Posted by AZJoeD

I still get a lot of people that move here from the midwest that ask "What is with all these block walls?" "How do you ever get to know your neighbors?"

Well, not by walking into their backyard and watching everything they do, that's for sure.

I have a friend in Georgia, and she shares pics sometimes that end up having the backyard in them, and there are no fences to be seen. I hear this is common back east and I just can't comprehend it, although I guess the reverse is true for them as well regarding fences out here.

I mean, people are seriously ok with no privacy whatsoever, unless it's inside your house? I guess if you grew up with it, then it's normal, but I can't imagine transplanting to that. Especially as introverts.

[AZ Manager]

One HOA I was on the board of a few years back allowed removal of the view fence for a block fence to be installed. They are premium lots for a lot of reasons but the biggest is no neighbor behind you. Those green spaces are rarely used especially in the summer months so privacy really isn't much of a concern, we just aren't an outdoorsy city in general.

I was once out walking with my toddler in a desert area lined with view fences and this elderly woman came out of her home to say hi to my son.

[kitshipp]

Originally Posted by PhoenixSomeday

I have a friend in Georgia, and she shares pics sometimes that end up having the backyard in them, and there are no fences to be seen. I hear this is common back east and I just can't comprehend it, although I guess the reverse is true for them as well regarding fences out here.

All I can think of is that I would never see my dogs again, because they would get distracted and run off!