Reston Association is looking to address gaps in its fencing guidelines for single-family houses.
The community association’s staff have begun developing new standard operating procedures dictating who approves fences and general parameters for what’s accepted after getting concerns that the process is inconsistent. Some homeowners have also pushed for more flexibility with exterior changes, according to a recent presentation to the Design Review Board.
Currently, cases vary in terms of whether they’re reviewed by staff, some board members, or a full panel — a process that has resulted in inconsistent outcomes. In addition, there are fences that have been approved in some neighborhoods, but not in others, RA Covenants Director Cam Adams told the board at a meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 15).
“Often the root of the complain is that a member or a member’s friend once upon a time submitted an application for this type of fence, it was denied, and now, all of a sudden, several years later … it’s now an approvable fence style,” Adams said.
The 11-person design review board is tasked with reviewing exterior alterations to properties governed by RA, from additions and porches to swimming pools and outdoor lights.
Preliminarily, the board agreed that it should review fences taller than 48 inches. Most other applications would be reviewed by staff, unless a specific issue arises that requires more scrutiny.
Adams said this change would make the process easier for members, who currently have to get most fence changes approved by the board.
Under its existing guidelines, RA allows picket/split rail or privacy fences for single-family homes. While designs should be consistent with other board-approved fences in the neighborhood, the guidelines are not “prescriptive” in describing what is allowed and not allowed.
RA could add more guidance on privacy fences, including limits to the property line bordering a roadway to reduce the likelihood of inconsistent styles on a single street. The association is also considering new styles and height requirements.
Board member Emily Inglis said some applicants require case-by-case consideration.
“To me, much of this depends on the neighborhood itself,” she said.
Board chair Michael Wood noted that RA’s current guidelines favor limiting tall privacy fences in some areas in order to maintain nature-esque neighborhoods.
“It feels like you’re walking next to walls and not nature at all,” Wood said, referring to some neighborhoods in Herndon.
The board and staff may update its design guidelines after receiving feedback from members, Adams said.
