Vernon Hills wants sturdier wire for fencing
Rules regarding permitted materials for residential fencing in Vernon Hills could change after observations by village officials.
Following discussion at an informal work session this past week, the village board directed staff to prepare a change in the zoning ordinance to require a minimum gauge of wire to be used in fencing.
The discussion surfaced after some board members noticed a new style of residential fence at a home in the Grosse Pointe subdivision. The design consists of cedar posts spaced at six-foot intervals with horizontal runners at the top and bottom and a thin gauge metal screen inside each framed section.
"Quite frankly, it didn't look that bad but I had questions - how strong is this wire? Is it chicken wire (or) what have you?" asked Mayor Roger Byrne.
Building Commissioner Mike Atkinson said the wire is thinner than the six-gauge type used for typical chain-link fencing.
"It's not as durable as a typical fence," he said.
The fence in question complies with current village requirements and as a permit was issued before it was installed, any changes would not apply to it. Byrne said he didn't want to make the homeowner take it down but wanted to see sturdier materials used in the future.
During the discussion, trustees were shown pictures of a variety of residential ornamental fencing styles. But the look of the fences didn't appear to be an issue.
"I don't have a problem with any of these designs," said Trustee Jim Schultz.
Atkinson was directed to determine what type of wire was used most by installers and establish a minimum gauge requirement.
Any proposed change will go to the village's planning and zoning commission for a public hearing and recommendation before returning to the village board for official action.
Atkinson also was asked to provide information at a future meeting regarding stockade-style fences, which Byrne said can fall into disrepair.