Need HOA Help on Fence for Corner Lot

Greeting all -

As our first son is turning 2 this summer, we plan to apply for permission to install a fence on our corner SF lot. He absolutely loves the outdoors and is very active so we want him to have full run of the back and side yard without the fear of traffic. I have read all the HOA guidelines but one still confuses me.

"Fencing on corner lots cannot encroach within the side yard building restriction line of 12.5 feet, measured from the property line along the street. in all cases, sight distance easements or such other easements and/or conditions applicable to the subject lot shall be honored."

Does this mean my side fence cannot be within 12.5 fear of the side street? That would seem ridiculous considering the whole side lawn isn’t more then 25 ft. If this was the case, putting up a fence would only serve to make my property look smaller and that’s no good. I know I have seen other corner lot fences as close as 4 or 5ft to the street, which is why I am asking for clarification before submitting my modification request to the subcommittee.

Thanks for all that can assist.

SM Heese

 

It depends on which corner you are on. Check your plat. It should indicate whether their is a sight line easement on it.
The intent is that a car pulling up to the corner will not have their line of sight of the road impeded by the fence.

 

Ahhh...ok. Here's the dumb question. Whats a plat and where do I find it?
Thanks -

SMH

 

You should have been provided a copy of your plat when you purchased your home. It is simply a piece of paper that shows your house and your plot measurements.

 

OOOOOooooooo... Be vewy, vewy careful! We applied for a fence on our corner lot & got it approved so that it went right out to one FOOT short of the sidewalk. It was up for exactly (and I mean EXACTLY) 364 days when we got a notice that it was too close to the property line and had to have it moved, at our expense.

Seems someone didn't know the difference between 12' & 12".

 

Kaosdad -

But wait...if it was approved, then how is that your fault and why did you have to pay for it to be moved? Wouldnt that be the fault of whom ever approved it?

How do I just get someone out here to tell me the closest I can put it to the street? Does the subcommittee make house calls?

Thanks -

SMH

 

It's 12.5 FEET. Measure from the sidewalk and check sightlines on your plat.

 

I seem to remember this one ... whatever installer put it in, didn't understand the measurements. Glad he's doing fences, if he was doing carpentry on a house, I'd be worried. I suspect that since it had been a year, the company disavowed any guarantee or warantee and basically said, its the homeowner's problem.

Your plat will show sight lines. As mentioned, you should have gotten the plat with your deed, and other papers. It will show a dotted line that defines the VDOT requirement for setbacks. Please note .. its a VDOT requirement, not an HOA requirement.

As mentioned, its 12.5 FT.

 

OK....got the plat...there is aline on the corner labled 15' B.R.L. Is that it? What does B.R.L. mean?

SMH

 

Building Restriction Line.