Looking for a Fence to Compliment your Historic Home in Reading?

Fencing in Historic Districts

When you live in a historic district as gorgeous as Reading’s you need your yard to measure up to high standards. These neighborhoods don’t stay looking cohesive on their own, it takes a community of people who are dedicated to keeping their town looking pristine. Preserving the town’s historic character takes deliberate planning – which is why Reading has certain policies in place. If you’re considering adding a new fence to your property, you have to be sure it’s within regulation.

Preserving Historic Character

Historic neighborhoods have committees that regulate what can be changed, modified, or added to historic properties. These regulations ensure that your neighborhood’s Victorian architectural landscape is preserved for generations. The Reading Board of Historical Architectural Review delegates what is within historic preservation standards for your neighborhood. They outline what is and isn’t allowed so that any new additions compliment the surrounding scenery. 

Reading’s Historic Fence Policy

Reading’s historic fence guidelines were adopted in 1998, and they are both vague and strict. You’ll need to provide the committee with evidence that shows that the fence style, material, and size compliments your neighborhood while preserving the historic aspects. This means you’ll need to do research into what type of fence is considered Victorian. Building a fence from era specific material is highly encouraged. This makes wooden fencing a reliable option.

Certificate of Appropriateness

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.

If your fence plan is denied for any reason your denial letter will explain the factors that resulted in the denial. This way you can modify your plan to better fit the historic architecture of your town. It can be frustrating trying to meet all of these standards, but when you work with the committee to preserve the historic features on your property you contribute to your town’s unique beauty and history. 

What Gets Approved?

In general, the committee favors plans that contribute to the historical aesthetic. If you’re planning to add a new fence that is within their guidelines, they love that. However if you need to replace a fence that has been deemed historic, they may advise that you find other means of restoring it before completely replacing it. They are always looking for ways to preserve rather than replace.

Traditional Wooden Fencing

Because Reading discourages any replication replacements like vinyl or plastic, you need a fencing material that is true to the era. A traditional wood picket fence will have the best odds for approval. While other materials may be accepted, the approval window is much smaller. You’ll want to look into your specific zoning rules, but in general this fence material and style is perfect in a Victorian neighborhood. It is a classic addition to any yard, and looks great next to your garden. 

Our wooden fencing is made from pressure treated pine, which makes it hardier than the standard wooden fence. You want your fence to fit the historic aesthetic without it looking aged and dull. Superior Fence & Rail of Southern PA takes pride in the longevity of our wooden fence styles. Which is why all of our wooden fence styles come with a 15 year warranty for termite damage and rot. 

General Fence Guidelines in Southern PA

You’ll need your fence to meet specific height and placement rules. In general all fencing must be made from industry recognized materials. Front yard fencing cannot be taller than 3 to 4 feet, and no taller than 6 feet in backyards. While fencing can be placed directly on your property line, you are responsible for knowing where that is. Which is why having a property survey is important for your fence plan. You will also have to place the finished side of your fence toward the neighbor or road.

Planning a Historic Fence Build in Reading

Superior Fence & Rail prioritizes clarity with all of our customers. To have true clarity in communication, contractors must not only inform but educate customers. When you are building a fence in a historic neighborhood, it can be overwhelming. Any good fence contractor knows that quality customer service includes simplifying this process. Below is a brief summary on planning a historic fence build in Reading.

• Research specific zoning rules
• Apply for permitting/COA
• Build your fence according to your approved fence plan

How Can We Help?

When you work with our team of experienced fence contractors we can help you find the perfect fence for your historic Reading property. From filing the proper paperwork to understanding what it takes to be approved, we are happy to assist you in building a fence that meets Reading’s historic district standards. Don’t let the paperwork deter you from building your dream fence, here at Superior Fence & Rail we have over 20 years of fencing experience, we have navigated tons of fencing guidelines and know how to get your fence approved and built in record time.

We Know What it Takes

You need a fence that compliments Reading’s historic district. We know what it takes to find the perfect Victorian style fence for your property. Call us today at (717) 827-6750 or contact us by clicking the link. Our Southern PA fence contractors can help you navigate your historic district’s unique guidelines.