What’s Trending For Fencing Styles in East Austin + Tips For HOA Rules
East Austin is a place where anything goes – most of the time. In this area you won’t find a lot of white picket fences and conventional wood privacy fences, although they do exist. Driving down East Cesar Chavez, Pennsylvania Avenue or Chestnut Avenue you’ll notice all types of fences along property lines serving all kinds of purposes.
East Austin is a place that’s definitively hip. It’s a trendsetting area so whatever you see here you’re sure to see in other neighborhoods down the road. From eye-popping fence colors to natural wood that’s already been used, here’s a look at the fencing options that are trending in East Austin.
Fencing That’s Trending in East Austin Right Now
Horizontal Fences Made of Cedar
A current trend is to take wood fencing in a new direction – literally. Horizontal fences have been on-trend in East Austin for a while. In fact, it can be argued that this area helped to establish the trend throughout the city. Previously, many chose metal fencing materials for horizontal fences, but at the moment cedar is the material of choice.
Reclaimed Wood Fencing
Pressure treated pine wood fencing offers affordability and longevity, but for many property owners in East Austin, sustainable materials matter even more. It doesn’t get more sustainable than reclaimed wood. Plus, it’s a style that comes with a lot of visual interest. Those are two factors that are always popular in East Austin.
Chain Link Fences in Powder Coated Hues of All Colors
Chain link has gotten a whole lot more interesting now that there are options beyond the standard galvanized metal finish. Like vinyl fencing, chain link fences now come in all sorts of colors to match a home’s aesthetic or help it stand out.
Black is a popular option for modern homes that want a fence that’s sleek and discreet. Homeowners that crave more color can choose chain link that’s been powder coated in blue, green, brown or just about any other hue.
Chain link requires minimal maintenance like other metal fences, but it’s much more affordable compared to wrought iron or ornamental fences. An additional benefit of the powder coating is it makes the fence even more low maintenance. With the powder coating there’s an extra layer of protection for minimal upkeep and maximum curb appeal.
Common HOA Fence Rules in East Austin That Go Beyond Trends
The East Austin area has grown a lot in the last decade or two. It once was a part of the city where eclectic bungalows and Craftsman style homes were all you’d find. Today, there’s a greater mix of housing, including planned developments with a homeowners association.
Any HOA community is going to have their own set of fence regulations. The HOA rules are established to maintain consistency, ensure the aesthetic appeal of the community is preserved and uphold property values. When a new fence is installed or an existing fence is replaced the HOA guidelines usually influence:
- The fence materials that can be used.
- The fence design that can be built.
- The height of the fence.
- Whether the fence can be painted or stained a certain color.
- Whether a licensed contractor must perform the work.
Following the HOA’s regulations is extremely important. If you don’t get HOA approval, they could require that the fence be modified or completely replaced. The only way around the established rules is to appeal to the HOA board and get their approval for the fence project in advance.
It’s also important to make the HOA board members aware that you have a fence installation or replacement planned. There may be an approval process regardless of whether or not the fence meets the HOA guidelines.
City Approved Fence Styles and Fencing Materials Influence Trends in East Austin
You may not have an HOA that’s regulating your fence project, but there is another limiting factor. One of the first things that East Austin homeowners have to take into consideration is the city fencing regulations, which now go beyond fence height.
A few years ago the local government updated the fencing regulations, adding a number of restrictions that go well beyond fence height. The “Safe Fencing” requirements outlined fencing materials and designs that could no longer be used within the city limits. For example, barbed wire fencing can only be used at on properties where it’s federally mandated for security. And fence designs with spiked pickets or bars are also no longer allowed.
If you have an existing fence it’s grandfathered in, however, if 50% or more of the fence is replaced you’ll have to update the entire fence to stay within the regulations.
Are you currently considering your design options for a new fence? The team at Purple Fencing Co. can help you with the design process from providing expert opinions on fencing materials to making sure what you have in mind meets city and HOA regulations. Call us at 512-955-5360 or request a free fence quote online to get started!
