North Hempstead Town Board Still Undecided Over Fence Heights

Town Board members are still on the fence over a proposed change to limit heights of residential fences in North Hempstead. At Tuesday night's board meeting in Manhasset, trustees continued the debate which has gone on for several years over the four-foot height limitation currently in place.

The proposed legislation would only allow fencing in the front of the house to be 4-feet in height, 5-feet on the sides of the residence and 6-feet along the side of the back yard and along the rear property line. The restrictions were lowered from a proposed height of 6-feet around the entire property, which was the height proposed at the Oct. 5 board meeting and adjourned until .

Currently, only residents who either have an outdoor pool or who are granted a permit from the zoning board of appeals are allowed fences over four feet in height.

"This is a compromise based on all the conversations we've had and feedback we've received," Councilman Fred L. Pollack, D-Port Washington, said.

A member of the North Lakeville Civic Association objected to the height restrictions, saying that "having fences this tall will detract from the suburban character of the neighborhood."  However, a Roslyn resident was in favor of taller fences as a safety measure for pets, arguing "plenty of dogs can jump over a 4-foot or 5-foot fence."  He later added that "yes, you can have a view with a shorter fence, but what are you seeing?  You're seeing your neighbor."

The hearing was adjourned until the Dec. 14 board meeting.