As homeowners move in to the Trinity Heights neighborhood, I am starting to receive questions about fences. I believe that in almost each case the homeowner has chosen the option of installing his or her own fence rather than having the builder provide one. I have asked Bob Chapman, the project's developer, to turn his attention to this issue and to contact each homeowner who has closed on a house to discuss his or her fence plan. In some cases, we recognize that it may be useful for Bob to meet with several adjoining homeowners at the same time.

Below is a discussion of our "fencing philosophy" for Trinity Heights which was drafted for me by Bob Chapman and the project's architect and co-developer, Milton Grenfell:

The Trinity Heights plan uses traditional approaches for neighborhood friendly development. These old-fashioned ideas and principles are now called "new urbanism."

The Trinity Heights plan calls for connecting fences between each house and fences all along the alley. Clear boundaries between the public realm and private areas are important, and fences are an economical way to do that. Fences also make distinctions such as more-formal-less-private and less-formal-more-private easier. They are also part of a concept that our planning consultant calls "securing the block."

We expect every home to construct (a) front fences from the left and right front of their house to their property line, where they will join a fence from their neighbor's house, if there is one; and also (b) rear fences separating the majority of their backyard from the alley.

With fences at the front and rear of their backyards, many homeowners will also choose to build side-yard fencing. We encourage neighbors to work together choosing side-yard fencing and, if an agreement can be reached, to determine on which property to place the fence and to share costs of a common boundary. If no agreement can be reached, there is no requirement that your neighbor approve a fence entirely on your side of the property line. However, we encourage conversation, cooperation, and shared side-yard fences.

• All fences must be approved by the East Campus/Trinity Heights Homesites Architectural Review Board ("ARB"). Bob Chapman has been asked to act as the ARB's representative for the purpose of reviewing fence design and approving fences. Please contact and review your fence plans with him before installation. Chapman will provide you with a written letter of approval and time by which installation should be complete. If you have issues which you cannot resolve with Bob, you may appeal them to me.

 
• We strongly recommend picket fences. Ideally, no two picket fence patterns should be the same, although this may not be feasible. Fences normally should be built of pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated wood need never be painted and, over time, will develop a rather handsome silver gray patina. Because it will not hold paint until it has dried for at least a year, we recommend that pressure treated fences not be painted for at least a full year. This does not pertain to more-expensive and difficult-to-find double-kiln-dried pressure treated wood. However, before you paint your fence, remember that to keep it looking nice, you may need to repaint it every year or two.

 
• Other durable woods such as heart cypress, cedar, or redwood, painted or unpainted, generally are acceptable, but they are hard to find and expensive.

 
• Non-durable wood materials generally are discouraged, but we may permit some exceptions. In no case may a fence be constructed of vinyl, plastic or chain link. Solid vegetative hedges, decorative iron fences, stone or stucco walls may be allowed. If you are interested in one of these type of fences, make sure you check with Bob Chapman before you get too far along in your design process.

 
• We recommend that you choose a fence height to suit your taste. If in doubt, we recommend that fences be about four feet tall. If you have a pet that could jump a low fence, six feet or taller may be necessary. City of Durham ordinances allow you to have fences that are as tall as eight feet in the side and back yard.

 
• We wish to encourage diversity and individuality.