By Brad Reed
I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “fences make good neighbors.” Well, it’s true…what else would you expect to hear from a fence guy? Fences define property lines when they are installed correctly; they corral your littles and pets, supplying you with the peace of mind that only a big “playpen” can bring; they add beauty to your “estate”; and they add privacy to your backyard gathering spot. So many houses achieve form over function, but a thoughtfully designed fence can help bring both together while contributing to the overall beauty and character of New Town.
Property identification
Perhaps the most important step to obtaining a fence is to know your property lines. A lot survey, or plot plan, is typically required by the General Assembly (HOA) as part of their fence approval process. This is usually included in your closing papers if a survey had been done prior to closing.
Rough estimates can reveal anchors in the back alley and crosses on the front curb, but these are just reference points providing you with a straight line from the front to the back. Actual corners are typically marked with an 18" piece of rebar, with a cap on it, usually buried a few inches below the ground level. Most properties have located this corner marker (rebar) a few inches to a few feet inside the pavement line of the alley in back on your property, and a few inches inside the city walk in the front. These can often be identified using your plot plan along with a reputable fencing professional to help ensure your fence remains within legal property boundaries.
Form ‘H’ and the General Assembly
The General Assembly requires the property owner to complete and submit their “Form H - Landscape and Fencing Design Review” on all new, or style changing, fence requests. This form is located in their office or on their website at https://www.ntga.net/architectural/ Among the questions asked on this form are several pertaining to the fence structure and design.
Most applications require information regarding the fence side view, wood species, structure, gate, and gate hardware, making it important to think through the full design before construction begins. Once approved, the General Assembly typically contacts the homeowner with an approval letter and orange card to post in the window. After approval, homeowners must also obtain the required City of St. Charles fence permit and contact Missouri-1-Call for utility locations prior to excavation.
Materials
Options for fences in New Town are somewhat limited and traditionally include wood fences or wrought iron fences. Chain link, vinyl, aluminum, tubular steel, and others are forbidden in order to maintain the architectural consistency of the community.
Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular materials used for exterior fencing. It’s insect resistant, rot resistant, maintains its structural integrity better than many exterior woods, and its beauty is hard to match. Pressure-treated pine is a popular alternative due to the price difference, but it is also more susceptible to warping and twisting over time. Eastern Red Cedar is somewhat similar to pressure treated material in its desire to move around, and also lays claim to the phrase “bacon fence” as the result of its visual similarity.
Furthermore, quality fence installations should include concrete piers, troweled at the top to allow water and soil evacuation in this critical area. And don’t forget, with all outdoor natural materials, staining will protect your investment much more than leaving it to weather to a silvery grey.
Styles
New Town is a New Urbanist community, and being as such, it draws inquisitiveness from outside folks. They still file through occasionally, sightseeing and enjoying this unique community. With this in mind, you’ll see several different styles of fences as you meander through our town.
The 6’ tall Traditional style fence is one of the most popular styles, followed by the Craftsman style fence, and then horizontal picket style fences which are gaining traction. The Traditional style is a straightforward privacy fence with vertical pickets and horizontal trim pieces and a cap. The Craftsman style adds visual interest through square peek-a-boo holes along the top of the fence, incorporating a more architectural influence for your property to offer. Apparently many folks love this style, and it has become a staple here in New Town.
Since many fences are custom built, homeowners can vary or redesign parts of the fence to give a unique look. Four-foot picket fences are also a real treat to design, especially as backdrops where large garden areas populate a fence line. I’ve even seen homeowners lean into Prairie-style influences reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright designs, which pair naturally with some of New Town’s architectural styles.
Rules, rules, rules
Regardless of who completes your fence project, there are procedures intended to maintain this community’s unique and beautiful appearance. These procedures and rules are intended to protect the homeowner and make sure projects are allowable within both New Town and City of St. Charles city requirements.
The value of your home is like money in the bank, and a beautiful fence can add to your investment. New Town is a wonderful community, and thoughtful fence design continues to play an important role in preserving the beauty and character that make it special.
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As the owner and founder of Dragonfly Studio, Brad Reed has been building fences in New Town for more than fifteen years, combining decades of fencing industry experience with a passion for woodworking and design. Prior to launching his company, Brad spent years managing a cabinet shop, further developing the craftsmanship and attention to detail reflected throughout many projects in the community today.
That craftsmanship has become a family effort, as Brad has passed the torch to his two sons to keep superior craftsmanship alive and well in New Town. They have completed over six hundred fences and pergolas throughout the neighborhood. Additionally Brad’s wife, Brenda, has brought real “studio” meaning to their home by expanding their basement to create a space where neighbors regularly gather for mosaics, stained glass, and other crafting activities.