Fences and Ped Connections - Planning Commission Discussion

The Planning Commission discussed the important relationship of fences along pedestrian connections, and the need for their design to be addressed with the new Code.  These fences impact security and privacy for both the public areas of the walkways and the private areas of the neighboring residential yards.

If fences are too low they can have little effect in defining the private space; however, if they are too tall the walkway can become too confined to be comfortable for users (this also relates to the overall width of the walkway). 

Fence materials also impact the way that they "fit" in aesthetically with the neighborhood.  The new Code will restrict the use of chain link fencing, or plastic/vinyl slatted fencing for this reason.  

As with other common amenities within PRD's the Code will likely require that the Home Owner's Association maintain these facilities.  This is another reason why the Code is being written so that the landscaping of these pedestrian walkways can be easily maintained. 

Fences

The concerns about fences along some of the major corridors in the city were raised early on in the project. The primary issue is how these fences, combined with landscape buffers impact the sense of place along the street when they vary greatly in terms of maintenance and location along the street.

Fencing is not addressed in the Subdivision Code; however, the PRD Code does require that fence design be defined.

Because of their close relationship, this issue will be addressed by the Code amendments focused on the concerns about landscape buffers.