Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) play important roles. They help ensure a cohesive appearance throughout a neighborhood and require all homeowners under their jurisdiction to maintain their properties properly. However, they can be tricky to deal with, particularly if you intend to install a fence. If you’re thinking about putting in a new vinyl, PVC, or aluminum fence, here are the things you’ll need to ask your HOA before moving forward.
Materials
Ask your HOA representatives if there are specific materials they prefer or any materials they will outright vote against. For instance, if you want to put in a chain link fence but the HOA doesn’t allow metal, you’ll need to find another option.
Style/Type
Your HOA is responsible for helping maintain a cohesive visual appearance throughout the neighborhood. That means every home must share similar elements. Often, that includes the style and type of fence. Ask your HOA rep if there are styles or types of fencing that they won’t approve. For instance, some HOAs may only allow new fences made of vinyl. Others might not allow any chain link fences. Yet others may specify that you can have one material in the backyard and another in the front because of visibility.
Height
Fences come in all shapes, sizes, and heights. For instance, the standard chain link fence is around four or five feet high but can be higher. Typically, vinyl fencing is taller, particularly if you’re using it as a privacy barrier. The problem is that some HOAs will only allow fences up to a certain height or will disallow fences under a certain height. Make sure you know the height restrictions that apply to your neighborhood before choosing a fence.
Installation Area
Some HOAs will allow you to install a fence of a specific material and height, but only in certain areas of your yard. For example, you might be able to install an eight-foot vinyl privacy fence in the backyard, but the HOA may not approve the installation of the same fence in the front yard if it blocks the view of the home from the street.
Navigating the sea of HOA fencing requirements can be daunting. That’s why you need a trusted ally. At American Fence & Railing, we can often handle the HOA approval process for you. In the case that your HOA requires homeowners to submit fence installation applications, we’ll work to guide you through. Call us today for your free quote.