An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for all fence construction. Fencing includes all hedges and solid, transparent or semi-transparent barriers constructed of wood, metal, masonry, or any combination of materials. The owner is solely responsible for compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The Howard County Public Works Department of Licensing and Permits will provide guidance as to when permits are required. They also have available handouts on erecting fences.

Fundamental to Columbia's plan is the concept of public open space. The preservation of open space, natural features, and a feeling of openness all contribute significantly to Columbia's departure from typical subdivisions. One purpose of community open space is to enhance each small residential lot by providing an atmosphere of a larger open area. The street side of every home is visually, more or less public. In addition, many side and rear yards are also public when they directly relate to the open space system. Fencing, if it is carelessly used or placed, visually encroaches upon open space and can even destroy this concept. The Committee seeks to avoid situations where the selection and placement of fences is uncoordinated and results in a negative visual impact.

When determining whether a fence application will be approved or disapproved, the following factors will be considered:

location;
topography; fence type (style, material, height, color, etc.); conformity with surrounding fences; impact on other dwellings, properties, and the public streetscape; and relationship to open space.
Fences should match the style and height of existing, approved fencing on adjacent properties and in the general vicinity. When there are no existing fences, the impact of the proposed fence on adjoining properties and the future continuation of that fence style in the visual area will be considered. Property line fencing may not extend forward of the rear line of the house. Fencing should be set back a minimum of 4' from the edge of a walking surface and must be on the owner's property. Landscaping may be required for approval to reduce the visual impact of the fence (see also Guideline No. 23 – LANDSCAPING and Guideline No. 39 - SCREENING).

Front yard fencing is not allowed (except where builder-installed as part of an original design concept). Rear yard fencing, which would also create front yard fencing for a neighbor, will not be approved. The Committee will not approve chain link, wire, wire with hedge fences, or privacy fencing of the basket weave or stockade styles (except where it conforms to an original builder-installed design within the same development). Fence posts should be well secured or placed in concrete to prevent sections from blowing down.

In the Village of River Hill, fences must remain natural (unstained/unpainted) and should be made of wood. If welded wire mesh (hardware cloth) is used, it must be applied to the inside only and not extend above the top rail. Fence gates should match the fence in style, height, color, and materials and must swing only onto the owner's property. For all fences, the "finished" side of the fence should face out.

The following general fencing guidelines are in effect for River Hill (See the Attachments for diagrams of the allowable fencing styles.)

A. Singe-Family, Detached

Transparent Fences (e.g., 3-board or split rail) should be 42" or 48" at the height of the top rail for a 3-rail/board fence. Galvanized or black painted welded wire mesh (sold as "hardware cloth") may be attached to the inside of the fence not to extend above the top rail. Vinyl coated or colored wire is not allowed. These fences must remain natural. Open wrought iron fences will only be considered for pools and not along property lines.
Semi-transparent Fences, such as picket fences, can be property line fencing in certain cases. As part of the evaluation of the application, consideration will be given to surrounding fence styles, the impact on adjacent properties, and the potential for impact on the Columbia concept of open space. These fences must remain natural, should be uniform in height e.g., either 42" or 48" from grade, must be installed in a vertical manner, and should be of a simple style such as dog eared, standard gothic picket, or French/Colonial gothic picket. The tops of the posts must be level with the pickets and the post caps should match the fence finish.
Opaque Privacy Fences (ex., board-on-board and panel, 5'to 6' in height) shall be visually attached to the house. Due to their solid nature and the potential for impact on the Columbia concept of open space and adjacent properties, these fences should only be designed for a specific purpose e.g., to screen hot tubs and patios, be used sparingly, and have minimal impact on neighbors. Special attention should be given to construction of solid fences to avoid wind damage. In areas of sloping terrain, the fence sections should be stepped and any horizontal rails be made to match in the same plane. These fences must remain natural.
B. Townhouses and Condominiums

Fences shall match builder-installed as to style unless the individual associations and/or the Architectural Committee have approved alternative styles.

Application Requirements:

Submit a site (plat) plan showing the location of the fence on the property. Additionally, include a description of the fence style and materials to be used, the location and swing of gates, the color of fence and the house, and the architectural style of the house. The application must indicate the fence dimensions on the site (plat) plan which shows the relationship to adjacent houses, open spaces, and property. Please include a description of the style and color of other fences in the immediate area and a description of the type of screening to be used.

Approved 1/3/98