Beginning in 2022, new homes were required to have iron fences instead of wood, privacy fences. This was to decrease maintenance costs for both HOA and residents. Additionally, new City of Austin construction codes[1]City of Austin Code Code 25-2-899 influenced the decision[2]March 3rd, 2022 Town Hall. Homes with pre-existing wood fences are not required to replace their fencing.
Master Covenant in Article 7, Section K.
The following is not an official guide from Cohere or Associa. Much for the below is a condensed, or plain-speak, version of the official language. Please see the official HOA Guidelines for exact language.
Lot Fencing
Fencing is required on sides and rear or lot. Courtyard walls that are architectural walls and designed for individual house plans will be considered for approval by the Reviewer.
Retaining Walls
All retaining wall plans over four feet tall or within any right-of-way must be submitted to the Easton Park Reviewer for consideration and must be constructed in stamped engineered plans by a licensed engineer.
Plans
Plans submitted for fences or walls must be drawn on an accurate copy of the site plan.
Greenbelt Fencing
All lots backing up to a greenbelt must utilize ornamental wrought iron fence that is painted black and without columns, unless approved in writing by the Reviewer.
Construction
All fencing between lots must be Good Neighbor-style wood fencing, which is defined as wood fencing that alternates the side of the panel every 8 feet.
Fences must utilize metal posts or a minimum of 4 inch by 4 inch posts have three horizontal boards for attaching the pickets.
Setbacks
The side yard fence at the point where it connects to the house must be setback a minimum distance as defined in Attachment 4 (Page 197 of Master Covenant). All side yard fences must be installed so they are perpendicular to the house unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Sideyard fences must be installed so that all pickets are facing towards the street and no fence rails are seen from the street.
Stain
All sideyard fences may only be stained using a stain that is approved in advance by the Easton Park Reviewer. Any part of the fence that is visible from any street shall be routinely re-stained (no less than every 4 years) in the approved stain color.
The Easton Park Reviewer and/or the Association shall have the right to re-stain visible portions of the fence and charge the expense to the Owner pursuant to the terms and provision of the Covenant.
Stain Specifications
Needs to be prepped and painted with two coats of Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weatherproof Stain & Stealer.
Wood should be prepared with Behr No. 63 Wood Cleaner and color should be Cedar Natural Tone #553.
Other brands’ products and stain colors may be acceptable with approval with the Easton Park Reviewer.
Prohibited Elements
- Shadowbox or “Pallet” type fencing
- Fencing of front yards
- Solid walls enclosing an entire site
Responsibility
The side of the fence facing the owner is the home owner’s responsibility. If both sides of the fence need attention, both owners are responsible for it’s repair.
References