Item 5: Public Hearing on Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

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FENCING Fences are sometimes necessary and desirable, but they should be done carefully at the boundary of the property-especially when they are constructed in the front yard. Traditional neighborhoods often have well-defined private outdoor spaces, but properties also tend to gracefully blend together as part of a whole, particularly along the street. In general, fences that strike this balance define the boundary without being harsh or too abrupt. Plantings along fences help soften their appearance as well. Front yard fences should be considered most carefully, since they have the biggest impact on the public realm and the character of the street. Fencing in the front yard of traditional neighborhoods serves a role in the layer of spaces that lead from the public realm to the private realm. Front yard fences are usually low and transparent. The classic picket fence is the archetypal and symbolic feature of traditional neighborhoods and is an appropriate feature in the ETN. Fencing a back or side yard can be desirable for privacy. The building code limits fencing to a reasonable height, and fences taller than this can seem imposing. It is especially desirable to make the upper portion of the fence more open even if the lower part is solid. Spaced-board fences offer a good balance of privacy and connection. GUIDELINES · Transparent wood fences. Fences should be wood and allow visibility and semi-transparency. · Vegetative fencing. Low hedges can also help differentiate front yard space while maintaining visibility. This house is near the ETN but not within it. The image is good example of a fence that has been carefully designed to be semi- transparent and a good contributor to the layering between the public sidewalk and the semi-public front yard. This house uses a low chain link fence which is a much less friendly fencing type for the pedestrian edge of the property. II