HomeMy WebLinkAboutE. Mount 1-10-11 -fencing.pdf VCH Board Meeting: January 10,2011
I have no idea what's on tonight's fencing agenda,but I'd like to thank those of
you who worked so hard toward crafting a new ordinance at the last meeting!
As many of you know, my personal concern is for my very small front yard.
And even though Ron Bors said I should have planned ahead and bought an
estate,my husband and I could only manage .4 of an acre. Working with verbal
approval, I did go ahead and plant a perennial border and a white picket fence
right on our front property line which is the only area on our lot that receives full
sun. Had I adhered to a 25' front setback, my plants would be in my front room.
The benefit of having a garden in the front is that passers-by say it makes their
day. It adds to the beauty of the Village, given that we no longer have the 'grand
vistas' we had when the Village was young. So when it comes to incorporating
fences in today's Village, I have the following suggestions:
1 there be a comprehensive definition of fences: that it describes and limits
exclosures, freestanding (partial) fences, hedges and other non-built barriers;
2 fences, as thus defined, be allowed on ALL property lines;
3 there be no enforcement of the 1953 ordinance until the board has finished its
work;
4 the new ordinance be permanent, not temporary, so people are assured they
can build and keen handsome fences that enhance their homes;
5 properties of all sizes and configurations are covered;
6 and owners of properties who don't or cant comply, may fully expect a non-
partisan and non-personal hearing from the ZBA.
Elizabeth Mount
303 E Upland Rd
Ithaca