My fence update

Thought would give you an update to my nightmare fence situation... Recap - Moved in and ordered a shadow box stained fence. Contractor was 10 weeks out. Filled out HOA forms for fence approval. Was given approval. Fences are to go 3 feet from the property line. I requested mine 6 feet due to a deep swell that fills up in my back yard. (Did not want my dogs to play in it). Neighbor moved in and put up a fence next day. Did not tell me anything just put one in. NOT Shadow boxed as thought they had to be.

Contacted the PM to ask did they have permission and if so do I now need to change my fence? The response was "none of my business if neighbor was approved. Plus it did not matter if my fence matched. Oh and by the way you have to change YOUR fence now to meet the 3 foot requirement.". Yes, I was extremely peeved. I can't put my shadow box up next to other fence. That would be kind of stupid. Plus has to be stained. Can't get to the other side now can we?

So called fence contractor out again and modified plan. No longer going to be shadow boxed to match neighbor. Plus extended it to over the swell. Well as you guessed it. The neighbor next door goes "Hey you putting up a fences?" 3 weeks later. I said yes waiting on contractor. Next day you guessed it... They put up a fence! Seriously no clue they are even in a HOA...

Now the good news is I only have to do front/back sides. So I decided going to go back to the shadow box. I like the sunsets and don't want to block the view as much. Had to resubmit the plans AGAIN to the PM/HOA Developer for approval.

Here is where the PM is just on my last nerves now. Gave me a form to fill out for "attaching" to my neighbor's fences. That I now have to have them sign off giving me permission to do so. Uhm... What fences? See they were never approved by the HOA to install the fences. (FACT known). So why now after having permission to install a complete fence I now have to ask my neighbors to attach? That is BS.

Plus the PM tells me that I have to modify the plan again to show that not putting up the other side now. I responded just mark it off the sheet and note it for crying out loud. Plus No I am NOT "attaching" my fence as guess what? They do NOT exist paperwork wise. So why am I asking permission from neighbors whom did not ask to put up a fence in the first place? I am also extending my front of my fence so not really "attaching" to theirs.

So what do you think? Should I be requesting an "attachment" to my neighbors fences or for just front/back? I see no reason to ask for attaching if they never asked to have one installed. Plus if they are forced to take theirs down they need to ask me to attach...

Good question.

And you're still under developer control?

When my community was built 20 years ago, the developer negotiated fences with some homeowners as part of the purchase of their new home. Most of these fences never had HOA approval and many of them were built in easements. That was against the rules even before turnover.

Don't be so sure the developer doesn't know about the fence issue.

Fences are NOT part of the build process. It isn't an option. There are other options but fencing isn't one of them. Plus we were sent a document when our dues were due detailing the process. Not sure when they got their dues payment notices. I told the one neighbor about HOA's and he claims never got the documents. I know got a copy at closing. Builder provides them. Plus on the Property Management's website. My neighbors never went through the HOA for permission to install their fences. There was no way.

Here is the confusing part. Somewhere I read that fences had to be shadow boxed and stained "tobacco" color. That is why when I applied for my fence this is what I ordered. Now can't find it where I read it. It's not in the CC&R's. However, think it's in another document of the builders handed out. Which I pointed out to the PM this was a requirement. So far as I can tell they don't seem to be following that guidance.

Almost ready to take this to the builder directly. I don't even believe that PM representative is even submitting approval to them. If so, then they aren't caring a bit about them.

Thanks Cathy. Have an appointmenment for a repair in my house coming up. Will ask that person. Have a 1 year warranty for things. I do believe you are right where I got that information about fence requirements. It was in their documents. Otherwise how would I know needed to be stained a certain color? The PM does not seem to know this. Which suspect is why fences are being approved wrong.

1 year builder warranty. Other components may be longer. This is for builder defects. Appliances and other things longer.

New builds now a days is get what you get. Have to select builder carefully.

Moving this post up to the current. Just in case this is the one making Mr. Rolland Mad...

Either way it's a RollandE1 that is showing as the response. The website Admins can work it out. Seen it happen before. Someone's account was banned for a reason. If it's a fake account then it will be worked out. Until then will just have to keep an eye on the newer posts and move them up.