When touring homes in the Barrington areas I often get asked by buyers is can we put a fence up. The question is relevant for all our country suburban areas including Kildeer, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Deer Park and Inverness alongside the Barrington areas outside of the village center. Almost without hesitation the answer is no.
Why Fences Are Not Permitted
When talking about our country suburban areas we are referencing properties with acre lots or more. The idea behind all of these villages was to create the countryside style of living and adding fences to these lots would surely make them lose that appeal. So whether it be the neighborhood or the village, the rules in general do not permit fences.
What better way to populate your yards and even define your lots by adding trees and perennials. My favorite are evergreen trees and Colorado Blue Spruces are growing well in my yard. They look beautiful year round and are resistant to the cold weathers and to the Deer.
What We Do About Dogs
One of the reasons buyers want fences are because they have dogs. When we moved here from England we had an Irish Setter and he was used to a fence. Now we had to teach him the alternative and I was a little worried. Electronic fences and collars are the solution for pets and on the whole work very well. I would never say they are 100% foolproof, our Irish would blast through it if he felt like it and a neighbor with German Shepherds had one dog that did the same. Some dog owners choose to accompany their dogs out all the time, and for the little guys it’s not such a bad suggestion, we do have coyotes.
What About Children
When choosing a home that will not be permitted to have a fence, just be extra mindful of the surroundings of the property. If it backs up to a busy road, no amount of shrubs and bushes can provide the same protection as a fence. Consider interior lots over ones near roads.
Where and Why Are Fences Allowed
In Barrington Hills and other areas that are zoned for horses, you’ll likely be able to add paddock style fencing. If you have an in ground swimming pool the village will likely insist you add a fence around the pool. The most common type allowed is iron fencing for this. You might also be allowed to add a small dog run, usually close to the house or garage. This helps with those night-time outside visits for Fido before he goes to bed.
The Village of Barrington is a little different and many homes here can have fences, the same can be true of the unincorporated areas of Barrington. A large part of Palatine also permits fencing as does Lake Zurich. Your best source of information about whether fences are permitted is always the village hall.
Don’t let our no fence rule turn you off buying a property with acreage! Our country suburban area is beautiful and all the more so because there are no ugly fences to restrict our views of grass, trees, conservation lands, marshlands, and the local wildlife and birds. Our photo below is across a conservation area from a patio. Gorgeous.
Happy gardening!
or give us a call today at 1-847-363-3686 to find your new Barrington home with lots of land and beauty!
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