Is it true that, back yard fences in USA are 8ft high,generally

Question

To our american friends, If this is the case, why do you need such a high fence ? How neighborly are Americans ?

Answer 1

All munincipalities have their own rules regarding the height of residential fences and the need for building permits.

For example, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 6' is the limit, and the person who's building it must have a building permit. There are regulations that mandate posts must be no more thsan 6' apart. The building inspector must come out to see the fence and sign off on it.

On the other hand, where I live (unincorporated Ventura County, California), not only can you build a fence as high as you want as long as it doesn't block the driver's view at an intersection, you don't need a permit and the posts can be 8' apart.

The incorporated city my area is adjacent to will not allow a fence in front of a residence to be higher than 3' and 6' in the rear. I've got a 6' one in my front yard.

We have a saying here; "Good fences make good neighbors". In my opinion, Americans are less considerate of their neighbors than Brits are, and in metropolitain areas, they aren't even likely to know their neighbors.

I put up a solid wood fence to block out some of the noise my neighbors produce. Not only were the kids obnoxious, loud, throwing rubbish in my yard and poking my dogs with sticks totally unprovoked, the parents scream at each other and the kids most days. It's even worse on the weekend.

Putting up that fence is the smartest thing I've done in the past 10 years!

Answer 2

Privacy fences in America are a standard 6' for residential areas. Any higher would require special order and a special building permit with all of your neighbors agreeing to the higher fence. I don't think privacy fences have anything to do with being un neighborly as they do just wanting a little space of your own in a ever intrusive world.

Answer 3

6ft tall is the maximum usually - nothing is standard.  For pool fences - people usually buy a 4ft tall fence.

Answer 4

Where as 8 feet is common 6 feet is the most comon..some home associations and city codes will not let you build over 6 foot high fences...As far as being neighborly..yes some of us are and some of us arent..as anywhere in the world..I do like to run around naked in my pool from time to time, and I feel this is being neighborly to have an 8 foot fence..I do not like clothes  but i do feel if I run around naked..it should be within respect so every neighbor and thier kids do not have to view my personal life..they say ..good fences keep good neighbors...

Answer 5

It just depends on where you live.  In our old community everyone had chain link fences.  The community we live in now whas a rule for everything, so we have a 6' wood privacy fence.

In our case the fence is mainly for the dogs.  We are very neighborly, my kids pay outside with the neighbor kids everyday & all us Moms are right there.  We will play in the front alot so the kids can ride thier bikes, but we have a swing set in the back and if that's where the kids want to be then we sit on the patio.  

  

Answer 6

Not where I live.Residential privacy fences are at 6',some commercial can be at 8'.

My Best

Answer 7

In some areas, fences are not allowed at all, mostly on larger lot sizes in keeping with the feeling of openness.

In general, fences can be 3-foot high woven wire (chain link) to 6-foot high woven wire. The same would be true for wooden fences with 6 feet being the common height.

It also depends upon what someone is doing in their yard as to what fence might be required. For example, if a person had a swimming pool, a fence would be required for safety reasons. Containment of pets might be another factor.

As for the neighborlyness of Americans, it mostly depends upon your circumstances and where you live. If you have the misfortune to live in a higher crime area, you tend to keep to yourself. Another factor is the size of the community that you live in, smaller tending to be friendlier than large.

I hope that answers your question in part. I am sure that others will have more to add to the answer.

Answer 8

Yes it is true. I think it is a requirement/regulation though.

Answer 9

There are many reasons for a high fence.Most folks where I live have six-foot,but I am going to put up a 10 ft one soon.The lumber will have to be cut at a saw mill.Keeps pets in,other pets out-animals.If you have a pool it is great.If I want to see others in a bikini,I will go to the lake or beach.I have lived in my community for 8 yrs and others around me have lived there for 10 to 30 yrs except 1 house which has had its third owner since I have lived there.First two families were great these people have caused lots of problems.I now know why there are restricted neighborhoods.Some folks you just don't want to deal with or see.It is great to have a high fence option.

Answer 10

I've never seen in an 8-ft. high fence in the U.S. in my life, outside of an industrial area.

Maybe they exist in certain very densely-populated areas, but Europeans tend to be more obsessive about property privacy in my experience (less space).

Answer 11

The average privacy fence is 8 ft high, and it does just that provide privacy, block out bad views, and keeps pets in.  The average chain link fence is about 4 ft high. There are some areas that won't permit fences unless they are a specific type.  I've only lived in one home that had a privacy fence and it was there when i bought the house.  I've lived in houses without fences, with decorative fences, with chain link fences, with 6 ft chain length fences.  There isn't any general rule.  A lot of the higher chain link fences are installed because of dogs who are large or fence jumpers such as my brothers 6 ft chain link fence... he had a Great Dane.