An ordinance to amend language about residential fencing in Crestwood’s municipal code was passed at the June 24 Crestwood Board of Aldermen meeting. The amendments aim to improve safety and visibility for neighbors backing out of driveways and establish an easier procedure for fence repairs.

Fences will now be required to be set further back in the side street front yard of corner lots if the adjacent neighbor has a driveway within 20 feet of the fence. The hope is for neighbors to be able to see oncoming traffic when pulling out of their driveway, so their view isn’t hindered by a fenceline. 

Alternatively, instead of setting the fence back, the owner can choose to use an “open-design fence” so neighbors can see through the pickets.

The other amendment allows limited repairs of fences without obtaining a city permit. Up to 35% of the fencing or 75 linear feet — whichever is less — can be replaced as a “fence repair.” This would allow homeowners to repair a section of fencing to match the rest, without updating it to city guidelines and making it different from the rest of the fence. No more than 75 linear feet or 35% of the fence can be replaced under this amendment within a year. 

These amendments can be found in Chapter 26, Section 26-22 of the city municipal code.