Best Fence Styles for Sanford’s Historic Downtown Neighborhoods

Clarifying Historic Fencing Guidelines

Building a fence in a historic district can feel like a juggling act. Beginning your fencing endeavor, you’ll notice that many locations have specific rules and regulations. In a city like Sanford, historic districts dictate which fence styles align with the city’s unique history. From height limits to material regulations, these guidelines can be daunting.

That’s why the highly skilled professionals at our Sanford fence company prioritize clarity. We want you to be well informed from start to finish, this way you can get the fence of your dreams while still adhering to the Historic Preservation Commission’s specific guidelines. We are happy to help you understand the entire process, so let’s break it down.

Obtaining Permits

When you work with Superior Fence & Rail of Fayetteville, our team will walk you through the process of obtaining the proper permitting, which will ensure that your fence complies with Sanford’s historic downtown guidelines. Typically, either the contractor or the homeowner will submit the intended fence plan and specifications along with your property survey to the city. If you don’t have your property survey, you’ll need to pay to get a new one. This way, the city has time to process your request and ensure that it aligns with city standards. 

What is a COA?

Many historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for any home improvements, this is your golden ticket. It says that your fencing plan aligns with local historic preservation standards. If your application is approved, you have 1 year to build the fence outlined in your fence plans.

When you work with our team, we have already cross-checked to ensure that the fence plan we develop meets these standards, reducing your risk of denial. If your fence plan is denied for any reason, the denial letter will explain why the fence you selected does not meet the criteria. You can use this information to make necessary adjustments to your plan and refile. 

Preserving Community Character

While nobody likes being told what to do with their yard, there is a reason you chose to move into a historic district, right? You probably enjoyed the ambiance, the historic charm, and the character. The Historic Preservation Commission protects this very thing. By ensuring that homeowners adhere to historically sensitive home improvements, your cities’ downtown areas keep their unique charm for years to come. Which means that when you comply with your city’s standards, you are also preserving your community’s character, and your home becomes part of what makes your city historic. 

Wiggle Room for Customization

It can be frustrating to have to double-check with someone else before making changes to your property, especially when you want your fence to align with your personal aesthetic. Still, to avoid hefty non-compliance fees, you’ll want the proper permits. At our Sanford fence company, we have options that will both satisfy city standards as well as your own. With one of the largest selections of fencing styles and materials to select from, you won’t have to feel so limited while customizing your yard, giving you a bit more wiggle room. 

Potential Options

You need a fence that meets your own fencing goals while preserving your city’s unique history. We already went over fence permitting and why it’s important to adhere to these guidelines, but now you still have to find the fence that’s right for you. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, here are a few options to consider to get you started:

• Sanford Wooden Privacy Fence

A wooden privacy fence is a great option for some added security. These fences typically meet local historic district guidelines because they preserve traditional standards. However, you may be restricted to certain placement requirements, with some districts requiring privacy fences over a certain height to remain open in the front. A wooden fence is a great addition to any yard, but it will require more maintenance than vinyl or aluminum options. 

• Sanford Vinyl Picket Fence

One of the Historic Preservation Commission’s specific standards for fence styles is that the fence must coincide with a traditional style. Our Vinyl picket fencing is a great option for complying with this standard because our vinyl can be uniquely customized to mimic wood. We developed our HeartWood Vinyl fencing so customers could have the look of a wood fence without the added maintenance of a traditional wooden fence. We even offer these fences in different colors so that you can get one that you love!

Let us Help You Comply with Sanford’s Historic District Fencing Standards

Whether you’re trying to give your yard more character or simply hoping for a bit more privacy, you need a brand new fence from Superior Fence & Rail of Fayetteville. The team at our Sanford fence company is happy to help, from obtaining the proper permits to building the best fence for your unique situation. Don’t stress yourself out over the details. Let us help you!

Complying with Sanford’s historic district fencing guidelines can be overwhelming. Let us walk you through it. Call us today at (910) 222-3800, or contact us for your free fence estimate.