Century Council Decides New Fence Height Restrictions

September 5, 2012

The Town of Century has developed a plan for cutting back the height of fences allowed in front yards around the town — a plan that is a mix of Century’s current code and regulations that are already in place in the unincorporated areas of Escambia County.

The Century Town Council introduced an ordinance Monday night that would adopt Escambia County’s current standards that limit the height of a solid fence in front of a single family residence to three feet and a chain link or other transparent fence to a four foot height. The fence height for a corner lot would be limited to two feet as to not obstruct the view of traffic. For the purposes of the ordinance, the height of a hedge or shrubbery will be regulated as a solid fence.

Fences in the side, or rear yard of a home may not exceed eight feet, which is no change from Century’s current restrictions.

The ordinance will be up for a second reading and a public hearing on September 17. If adopted, the new fence law becomes effective immediately. To read the complete proposed ordinance, click here.

Mayor Freddie McCall said residents with existing fences that violate the new ordinance, if passed, can ask the town council for a variance.

“We need to make sure we treat everybody fairly,” council members Sandra McMurray Jackson said. “We’ve just got be sure that we don’t have anything to come back and slap us in the face…everybody that has got a high fence in front of their house is going to think that my fence is just like his (the one approved for a variance).”

Pictured top: (L-R) Mayor Freddie McCall and council members Gary Riley, Ann Brooks and Sandra McMurray Jackson at Monday night’s Century Town Council meeting. Council members Jacke Johnston and Annie Savage were absent from the meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Century Council Decides New Fence Height Restrictions”

  1. Northender43 on September 6th, 2012 7:31 am

    As I commented on the last article – Did anyone go to the meeting and voice themselves? My guess is NO. If you really want yourselves heard and want to make change – GO TO THESE MEETINGS. I am not just talking about Century People, I am talking about ALL PEOPLE. I know it is easier to sit on our computers and voice ourselves, but WE ALL NEED TO GET OFF OUR DUFFS AND VOICE OURSELVES AT THESE MEETINGS. THE GOVERNMENT IS HIRED BY US. THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO WORK FOR US. This is the ONLY way for us to be heard.

  2. linda on September 6th, 2012 12:46 am

    It is a shame that our local goverment sittin around making more rule’s for people who are honest hard working. Do you really think the criminals are worried about a fence size. Your just helping the theaf. Intead of focusing on tuffer laws on crime and more community support on stopping theft………… Wh ere has common sen ce gone?

  3. Sane American on September 5th, 2012 11:59 pm

    I encourage the folks of Century to go to the meeting and make your voice heard. Don’t complain about it here, it won’t help you. Let them know that passing the ordinance means they’ll be out of a job come re-election time and stick to your guns when that time comes. Once you have new council members, they can repeal the ordinance. If you’re not willing to do that, don’t complain about it.

  4. MITCHELL CARPENTER on September 5th, 2012 4:37 pm

    Well, it seems to me that another element in the war on crime has just been taken away. If high fences are indications that people are up to no good, then the officers should welcome the high fences. might as well have a neon sign saying “Come and get me, come and get me!”

  5. Thinker on September 5th, 2012 10:21 am

    Uh huh….I agree with “JT” and “Southerner” Please tell us, WHY? Why is this ordinance necessary…I mean beyond the personal comfort needs of police officers, etc.?

  6. Southerner on September 5th, 2012 8:11 am

    What about private property rights and liberty?????????????

  7. JT on September 5th, 2012 6:49 am

    Another example of the government overreaching their authority. Do we really not have more pressing issues?