What Is Considered A Good Neighbor Fence?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In California,

two people whose properties border each other are both required to maintain an existing fence between the properties

, with only a few exceptions. In short, each owner has to pay one-half of the cost of maintaining or replacing the fence.

How tall is a good neighbor fence?

Standard panel heights are

1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm

. For the optional screen-top panels add a further 300mm. Smartspan is commonly used as industrial wall cladding and for roofing applications that require a long span. However, its inherent strength and appearance make it a smart choice for fencing.

What is a friendly neighbor fence?

A Good Neighbor Fence is

a wood privacy fence that divides two properties, where the finished side of the fence

(i.e. the more attractive, smooth side) faces the neighbor’s property. … A Good Neighbor Fence is commonly considered good etiquette, but is not typically a law or requirement.

What is the Good Neighbor fence Act?

California Civil Code 841, also known as the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, requires that “

adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them

.” In this case “monuments” means the fence.

What is a reasonable fence?

The definition of adequate in the 1978 Fencing Act is a barrier that in its “

nature, condition, and state of repair, is reasonably satisfactory for the purpose that it serves or is intended to serve

”.

Who pays for a fence between neighbors?

The

law places responsibility on both parties

because both benefit from the fence. Consequently, when a fence needs repair, both property owners must share the cost. If one party refuses to cooperate, the other party can do any of the following: Write a letter to the neighbor explaining the problem with the fence.

Who gets the good side of the fence?

Face the finished side of the fence

toward your neighbor

The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it’s the standard. Your property will look a lot nicer with the “good” side facing the outside world. Otherwise, your fence will look like it was installed backward.

What is the maximum height of a fence without planning permission?

Planning permission is generally required if the fence is higher than

2 metres

– and potentially as low as 1 metre if the fence is by a road. You can also apply for retroactive planning permission, if your fence accidentally exceeds regulations, or if another person can raise reasonable objections.

What’s the highest fence I can put up?

The general rule of thumb is that in a property’s back garden, fence panels can be a

maximum of 2m high

. If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.

Can you increase the height of your fence?

One of the most popular ways to add height to a fence is

to add trellis

. A fence topper is an easy choice as it is specifically designed to sit atop your current fence. Most fence toppers are 1ft or 2ft pieces of trellis measuring 6ft in length to fit the whole width of the fence.

Should I share the cost of a fence with my neighbor?

If you and your neighbor are on good terms and you both decide that you would like a fence to separate your properties,

the cost should be split equally

. … Even if the fence benefits the neighbor in some way, they have no obligation to help pay for it.

How much does it cost to ask a neighbor to share a fence?

  1. Step 1 : Have a chat to your neighbour. …
  2. Step 2 : Give Notice To Your Neighbour. …
  3. Step 3 : Get Quotes to give alongside your “Notice To Fence” …
  4. Step 4 : Who Pays?!

How close to property line can a fence be?

Check Rules and Regulations

Typically, fences are installed anywhere from

2 to 8 inches

from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow to go right up to a property line, especially if you live in an urban row house where every inch makes a difference!

How do you tell if a fence is yours or neighbors?


Title plans

are one of the best ways to see which fence belongs to your property. Title plans may feature a ‘T’ mark showing many of your property’s boundaries, and who is responsible for maintaining them. A T mark on one side of the boundary indicates that the person on that side is responsible for the fence.

Can my Neighbour attach things to my fence?

The short answer to this question is, of course,

“no”

. If you own the fence and you have not granted your neighbour permission to do so, they are not allowed to attach or nail things to your fence.

Can I legally paint my side of Neighbours fence?

If your neighbour owns the wall or fence


You can’t make changes to your side without their permission

, such as painting it. If the wall or fence seems dangerous, point this out because your neighbour might not be aware.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.