Fencing Question in New Subdivision

We just bought our first home in a new subdivision, almost half complete. When reading the documents about the Homeowners Association rules and regulations pertaining to putting up a fence, it states that we must submit a written request to the board and obtain approval. However, there is no homeowners association nor dues paid until the subdivision is complete. There are also 2 copies of this statement in the packet one with listed 4 board members dated in 2007 and a revised copy dated in 2010 with only 2 board members. It also states that the board memebers will change every year. However there is no contact information on how to address the board for such requests. I have noticed that a couple of homes in my neighborhood do have fences up and I am tempted to go knock on their doors and ask what they had to do, if anything. I have also emailed and called the real estate agent over the neighborhood asking him for clarification, however it is almost impossible to actually get in touch with him. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we should do because putting a fence up around our back yard is rather important to me because we have children as well as a dog.

Thanks!

So as for submitting a request, we should submit to the developer? Since the packet that we have listing all of the rules and regulations isn't very clear as to whom we are supposed to contact, it makes things a bit confusing.

The agent does work for the developer. It is really hard to get in touch with him, always has been except in the very beginning of the buying/building process. I will check further into the documentation that we have and continue to try and get in touch with the agent to see what kind of info he can give me. I hate to go knock on my neighbors doors to ask them what they had to do to build a fence, I don't like bothering people, but if it leads up to it I will do so.

Melissa before you submit your request to the developer, I would start with the local Zoning Board to make sure the fence type and height are allowed in your area and what setback is required. Just because the developer OK's it and as John said keep a record of the approval in writing forever, you don't want the city knocking on your door telling you it has to go because it doesn't meet code.

The subdivision is in a rural area outside of city limits, therefore I don't feel that contacting the zoning department would make a difference.

Melissa,

The reason for keeping records forever is that there have been other threads on this forum involving similar situations: Developer OK's fence while association is under his control then ten years later owner-controlled board screams foul. You will need those records someday to prove that your fence was approved, so keep them.