Privacy fencing is an easy addition to homes that are in the homeowner maintained sections. You will need to submit a proposal with details on the fence style, materials, location, gates, etc. This page provides general guidelines to help as you prepare your submission.
Location:
Fences must be set back from the nearest front corner of the home by at least 10 feet. On the side with a porch, this starting point is the front wall of the home, not the porch.
If there are windows, window wells, utilities, downspouts, or pop-out structures on the side of the home, the fence may need to be moved farther back until a location is found that doesn't interfere
The fence tie-in to the home should fit with the architectural elements
On some homes, fences are used as termination points for masonry, and are part of the required architectural design, so they will need to be maintained in those location
Gates:
Gates should swing toward the back yard, with the hardware on the back side of the fence
Gates typically need to be set out from the side of the home 4 feet, since a plater area around the front and side perimeter of the home is required and the fence will need to extend through the planter area. There are some cases where a walkway right next to the home can work , but that will require additional planter landscaping adjustments
Double gates will often not fit since many side yards are only 8 feet wide. They area are also now typical since sideyards cannot be used for vehicle/trailer/ATV storage and the larger entrances are not as useful. But if you do have a reason for a double gate, the details must be shown on the proposal
Connecting with Existing Fencing/Discussing with Neighbors:
If you are doing new fencing and sharing the costs with neighbors, then indicate that the plan is a joint proposal
Either way it is important to discuss your plans with neighbors, both to respect preferences and if both are interested to share costs
If a neighbor does not want a fence on their property, then you can still install the fence in approved locations, as long as you keep the fence on your side of the property
If you cannot find property pins you may need to survey and ensure that the fence follows property lines and does not encroach into other properties
Materials & Construction:
Most common is 6-foot white vinyl fencing. Some alternative colors (almond, gray-white) as well as modified designs (decorative top sections, spaced slats), may be allowable, but are not common. Hardware should match the fence color (e.g., white with a white fence, not black).
Wood fencing is not allowed. Trex or other composite material fencing is not common, and may not harmonize
Submit a picture of the color and design of the fence with the approval request
Fences must be professionally installed, and not do-it-yourself installations.
Diagram: (see example below)
The architectural control committee may have a plot plan for your home, so if you would like a copy of that document as a start for your diagram let us know; hand drawn sketches are fine, if all the necessary details and dimensions are shown
You can also get a detailed map of your lot form the county record system at this link: https://maps.utahcounty.gov/ParcelMap/ParcelMap.html
Show the location of the fence in relation to property lines
The most important dimensions are the setbacks from the front corners and gate dimensions. We don't need the dimensions of the other sides, but they are fine to show
Your fencing contractor may show this information on a bid sheet, which is fine, as long as it indicates all of the setback dimensions and gate size and location details
Submit the diagram and any additional materials colors, styles images or details by email to hp_acc@googlegroups.com. A bid sheet from the installer will be helpful, but in most cases you will need to submit additional information. If you don't send the bid, indicate who will do the installation in your submission.
If you have questions you can also send those to the same email at hp_acc@googlegroups.com..
Note Regarding HOA Maintained Yards:
Homeowner-maintained homes can fence rear and side yards with privacy fencing. In the maintained areas, privacy fencing is not allowed (except for McArthur townhomes where fenced patios were part of the original design). In the Crescent townhomes, and other maintained single-family and duet homes, only a small patio area can be fenced, and it must be low, open fencing (like 3-4 foot metal fencing or vinyl picket fencing). It must be close to the home, and cannot extend to the edge of the yard. If you live in a maintained home, reach out for more details.