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Historic Preservation Commission Policy Regarding Residential Fences October 2001 In the late 1800's and early 1900's, when most of the historic neighborhoods in South Bend and St. Joseph County were being developed, communities and real estate developers generally desired an open and park like atmosphere in their neighborhoods and residential developments. For this reason, fences which created obvious or obstructive barriers or visual divisions between residential properties were avoided or occasionally prohibited. Walkways and tree -lined streets were designed so as to give relatively sweeping views. The task and challenge for historic preservationists is to preserve the historic character of historic district neighborhoods as common showed parks (at least as far as view is concerned), while accommodating as far as possible the desire that many people have to exclude from their homes and yards modern neighborly inconveniences such as l yjJ G� ��—� -�a- z�O� ►' noise and heavy traffic. / Our, policy to accomplish this is as follows: back yard fences are generally permitted, so long as the fence in question does not actually obstruct or inconvenience a neighbor, or diminish the value or enjoyment of a neighbors property. Side yard fences that are four feet tall or less, and that are at least fifty -percent open and no more than fifty -percent solid are generally permitted. Side yard fences that are more than four feet tall, or that are more than fifty - percent solid, are generally not permitted, unless special circumstances apply which make such a fence appropriate.