THE CODE CONNECTION

My county follows the 2006 Residential, and NEC 2005 Edition codes. My property is on a corner and has a 30 foot setback from the street. The previous owners, and that of similar houses with older fences like mine in the neighborhood have backyard fences clearly outside the 30 feet distance. Other homes with newer fences have brought theirs out to the sidewalk, everything from 3 feet high wood posts, to 7 feet tall privacy fences.

I asked the lady who answered the phone, at the Building Regulations office whether the setback applied to fences and she said yes. However, my neighbor said he had county surveyors out to mark the land before he installed his fence and said they mentioned nothing about the setback.

I'd like to replace the old chainlink fence with a new vinyl picket fence, and possibly run it out further in the side yard so it is more symetrical with the house (with in the 30 foot setback).

Do I go to Building Regulations office and see if I can research the topic in the code books? Or do I pester them and call and ask for a more detailed explanation of how the setback applies to fences?

If it is a violation, it doesn't appear to be well enforced.

Set backs never apply to fences. Its only for building placement