Solon Fence Rules.JPG
Solon’s fence regulations make it a little difficult to have a custom fence.
(Photo by DiAngelea Millar)
SOLON, Ohio – Thirteen residents have requested fences that do not meet Solon regulations in the past two years, most for fences that are higher than permitted or for locations outside of permitted locations.
Below is an overview of specific fence regulations.
height
Front yard fences cannot be higher than 3½ feet. However, fences in the back or on the side of a property can be as high as you’d like.
“It’s about keeping it open,” said Rob Frankland, director of planning and commercial development at Solon. “It still allows a good view in the front yard.”
Resident Anthony Aseff wanted to extend the 6-foot fence around his home, including his front yard, and submitted a request to the city. The city council did not allow the high fence and told him he could build a fence within the height regulations.
Each request is made on a case-by-case basis, Councilor Robert Pelunis said.
“We look at the practical difficulties of each property,” he said.
colour
While there isn’t a strict regulation on fence color, the city includes a provision in their rules that allows them to regulate the color if necessary. In Aseff’s case, the council asked him to build a royal mahogany fence.
The provision is built into the rules so that the city can maintain a “typical look” of the structures, Frankland said.
“The Council has the ability to create conditions,” he said.
Art
Only certain types of fences are allowed in front yards. Picket fences or split rail fences within the height regulations can be built in front of a house.
The rules for fences on the back and side of a house are a little looser, Frankland said. Solid fences can be built on board behind the house.
These rules have been redefined to achieve a particular aesthetic. The city wants a level of visibility and openness in front of the lots, Frankland said.
Aseff’s special request for a board-to-board fence in front of his house was approved as long as it was no taller than 3½ feet.
place
The biggest problem with fences is usually related to the location of the fence, Pelunis said.
Many houses on corner lots want to put in a fence that doesn’t comply with the regulations. The rules state that a fence cannot be closer than 30 feet to a street or 30 feet to a house.
Aseff’s house was on a corner lot, and his request included building a fence within 30 feet of a street. He received permission to do so.
“It was an irregularly shaped lot,” said Pelunis. “(But) we came to a nice compromise.”
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