Fencing Guidelines

Fencing Guidelines

Fence approval is required before construction begins. These guidelines are intended to help homeowners prepare fence plans for review by the Board or its designee and to clarify the two fence classes currently used in Grand Lake.

Covenant standard. “No fence or fencing type barrier of any kind shall be placed, erected, allowed, or maintained upon any portion of the community, including any residence, without prior written consent of the Board or its designee.”

Fence Classes

1. Standard Interior and Non-Lake Lots

Homes that do not back up to the lake are expected to use a shadowbox, arch-top wood fence with gothic posts. The smooth side of the fence must face outward.

2. Lakefront Lots

Lake-side homes with lake frontage are expected to use a black metal fence that preserves an open view of the lake from surrounding properties and streets.

The original guideline referenced a black SPECRAIL Berkshire design. Because that product line is no longer available, fence applications for lakefront lots should use a comparable black metal fence style with a similar open appearance and should include product information or photos for approval.

General Fence Requirements

• Fence height may not exceed 6 feet.
• The fence location in relation to property lines must be shown on a plat or drawing.
• Side and rear fence lines must be at least 3 feet off property lines so they remain out of utility and drainage easements.
• Any fence built directly on a property line will be considered a party fence.
• Fences should come off the back corner of the house unless otherwise approved.
• Grass and yard area on the outside of the fence must be maintained the same as the rest of the yard, including the sides and rear.
• Fence plans should include a rear gate to allow access for maintenance.

Party Fence Expectations

The general expectation in Grand Lake is that adjoining fences should be handled as party fences whenever practical, so that neighboring fence lines are coordinated and consistent.

If a homeowner wants to attach a new fence to a neighbor’s existing fence or fence posts, permission must be obtained from the neighbor before submitting or building the fence.

If a party-fence layout is not possible because of lot conditions, easements, grade, drainage, or another site-specific issue, the proposed alternative should be clearly shown in the ARC request for review.

Utility and Drainage Easements

There is a city utility and drainage easement that runs along the front, sides, and rear of each property. The City of Huntsville may have the right to remove anything built within that easement, including fence posts and fencing. Grand Lake HOA does not control that city easement, so owners should account for it when preparing fence plans.

Wood Fence Stain Colors

Wood fences must be stained. The approved semi-transparent stain colors listed in the original guide are:

• Behr Chestnut #310
• Behr Valise #531
• Behr Clear

Examples

Example photos and approved style references

What to Submit for Approval

• A simple site plan, plat, or drawing showing fence placement.
• The proposed fence height and materials.
• For wood fences, the proposed stain color.
• For lakefront metal fences, the product specification, brochure, or example photos for the proposed design.
• Gate locations, especially any rear gate needed for access and maintenance.

Please submit your fence request with a drawing or plat showing the proposed layout. ARC requests should be submitted through the Beacon portal at Arc Request.