FENCE GUIDELINES

When to use these guidelines and application: use for fencing and screening. Fencing is very limited in Muirfield Village. Property defining fences and fenced in yards are prohibited. Please read through this carefully before submitting for a fence.

Invisible fences for dogs do not need approval; however, they must be contained in the buildable area of the lot and no signage is permitted anywhere on the property. Invisible fence flags are permitted for two to three weeks to determine if the fence is working, after which time they must be removed.

After reading the guidelines below, download and submit the application, which includes a list of information and materials to submit:

Fence & Screening Application

GUIDELINES FOR FENCING

Preserving the open green space and remaining loyal to the original Muirfield concept is an important factor when considering fencing. In most situations, property defining fencing is not approved in Muirfield Village. There are instances in which fencing is appropriate and in those cases, the MDCC will consider the limited varieties for both the style of the home and the type of application. Careful consideration must be given to the selection of materials.

Fencing and screening may be considered to provide privacy, create a dog run, screen out utility equipment areas and secure protection spaces. Understanding the function and purpose of the screening or fencing will help determine the appropriate type of material to use. In many instances, strategically grouping evergreen trees or planting landscape materials result in a more natural screening than regimented fencing.

The application must include materials that are compatible with the architecture of the home and fit the natural character of the site. In some cases it is appropriate to screen an area with landscape and plant materials; in other circumstances, using wood, brick, stone or wrought iron fencing may be suitable. Incorporating arbors or trellises into the project are also subject to the approval of the MDCC.

The fence must be maintained within the buildable area of lot. The maximum fence height is 48” and it may not extend beyond the width of the house. Gates must be incorporated for access to the unfenced portions of the yard as it is prohibited to encompass the entire yard with fencing. If wood fencing is approved, it must be painted the trim color of the house. Chain link fencing is prohibited. Aluminum spindle fencing may be considered for use.

Whether planning to install a new fence, replace an old one, paint, stain or add additional fencing/screening of any type, written approval from the Muirfield Design Control Committee must be obtained prior to starting the project. The following will help prepare the application. These guidelines are in accordance with the Muirfield Design Standards:

1. Submit 2 complete applications including pertinent drawings, brochures and samples.
2. Fencing approvals are limited to small dog runs, resident protection areas and swimming pool perimeters.
3. Property-defining fencing, chain-link or wire fencing is prohibited.
4. Provide scaled site plan showing footprint of house on property, no-build lines, property lines, easements, etc.
5. On site plan, draw the outline of the proposed fence location, indicating distance from property lines, dimensions and height. Indicate gate location(s) and detail(s).
6. Provide several photos of the area where the fence will be located.
7. Provide fence detail sheet including information regarding material, style and color of the fence.
8. Fencing must be constructed of wood, brick, stone or certain metal materials. Provide information or samples of material, style and color of the fence.
9. Landscape materials must be planted to screen fence from street and neighboring views. Provide location, size and type of landscaping that will be used to screen or soften the fencing.
10. Fencing should be tucked up close to a private living area of home, deck or patio area.
11. Fenced area is prohibited to extend beyond the width of the house and may not enclose the entire yard.
12. Provide gates for access to other areas of yard.
13. Provide a statement stating necessity.
14. Provide design review fee of $40.00.

What to Include with this Application

To avoid delays and to prevent the application from being tabled, please ensure the application is filled out completely and include two copies of the application and two each of all relevant materials (samples, photos, drawings, site maps, brochures, etc.) plus the design review fee. One copy will be returned to the submitter. Include the following:

• Written explanation for the fencing
• A site plan showing the footprint of the house, property lines, easements and no-build zones
• The location and dimensions of the fence on the site plan
• Fence detail and proposed materials, including color and style
• A brochure describing the fencing if available
• Photos of the fence location
• Design Review fee payment of $40.00
• Expected Date of Completion

If you have any questions, please contact the Association office, 614-889-0922.