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The proposal to run the new fence directly along the old fences was previously rejected by this Commission, as inappropriate for the reason that it would then be impossible properly to maintain either fence. Staff recommends that this part of the Commission's decision remain the same, and that permission to sister the new fence directly along the length of the neighbors' existing - fences be denied. - - - - - As to the proposal that the to install the new fence along the sides of the back yard, there might be circumstances in which staff could recommend approval. We could recommend approval if the new fence along the sides of the back yard were installed far enough inward of the existing fences to allow for routine maintenance between the two fences. This would include regular mowing and cutting of weeds and volunteer trees, as well as routine repair and sealing of the fences themselves. However, staff is reluctant to recommend this alternative for several reasons. First, we are concerned that the gaps between the side fences would either be so narrow as to make routine maintenance difficult and unpleasant, though still possible — or, if spaces big enough to allow for easy maintenance were left, then the fenced area of Ms. Thacker's yard would be so reduced as to lose much of its value and benefit to the owner and her dogs. We can think of several alternative solutions that might be preferable. First, she might return to the appropriate merchant the cedar dog-ear style fencing that she purchased before seeking a permit or CofA, and exchange it for a style of fencing that is agreeable to at least one of her neighbors. Then she could fence three sides of her back yard with that, and have only one side of the yard a non- matching fence. Alternatively, she might consider chain link fencing. Light wire fencing, of a predecessor style to current chain link, was recommended by Frank J. Scott in Suburban Home Grounds. a monograph for design of small urban properties in the Victorian era. Such fences are also mentioned favorably in Michael Weishen's Guide to Creatine & Restorine Authentic American Gardens (Ballantine Books, 1999). Third, she might use the fence of her choice to fence those portions of her back yard not enclosed by her neighbors' existing fences, and leave the rest as it is.