When considering installing a fence on your property, it’s crucial to understand the specific rules and regulations that govern such installations in your locality. In the Kansas City metro area, Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, and Greenwood, Missouri, each have unique requirements for fence installations. Though these communities are geographically close, they differ in some key aspects. This guide will walk you through the specific requirements, highlight the differences between these neighboring localities, and provide some background information about each city.
1. Lee’s Summit, Missouri
General Information:
- Population: As of the 2020 Census, Lee’s Summit has a population of approximately 101,108, making it one of the larger cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
- Location of City Hall: Lee’s Summit City Hall is located at 220 SE Green Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063.
- Date of Formation: Lee’s Summit was officially incorporated on November 28, 1865. The city was originally named Strother, after one of the early settlers, but it was later renamed Lee’s Summit.
Fence Installation Requirements:
- Permit Requirement: A permit is required for all fence installations, regardless of height.
- Height Restrictions:
- Front yard fences are typically limited to a maximum height of 4 feet.
- Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet high.
- Material Restrictions:
- Prohibited materials include barbed wire and electrified fences for residential areas.
- Chain link fences are allowed in the rear yard but are discouraged in front yards.
- Placement:
- Fences must be installed within property boundaries and should not obstruct visibility at intersections (clear sight triangle).
- Fences on corner lots have additional restrictions to ensure traffic visibility.
- Maintenance: Property owners are responsible for the upkeep of their fences, ensuring they remain in good condition and do not pose a hazard.
2. Lone Jack, Missouri
General Information:
- Population: Lone Jack is a smaller community with a population of around 1,278 as of the 2020 Census.
- Location of City Hall: Lone Jack City Hall is located at 207 N Bynum Road, Lone Jack, MO 64070.
- Date of Formation: Lone Jack was founded in 1841 and incorporated in 1898. The town is named after a lone blackjack oak tree that stood near the town site.
Fence Installation Requirements:
- Permit Requirement: A permit is required for fence installations over 6 feet in height. For fences under 6 feet, no permit is typically necessary.
- Height Restrictions:
- Fences in front yards must not exceed 4 feet.
- Side and rear yard fences are allowed up to 6 feet, with taller fences requiring a special permit.
- Material Restrictions:
- Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones.
- Electrified fences are not allowed unless in agricultural areas, and only with specific approvals.
- Placement:
- Fences must be set back from the property line unless an agreement with adjacent property owners is documented.
- Visibility restrictions apply at street intersections to maintain safety.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure fences do not become dilapidated or hazardous.
3. Greenwood, Missouri
General Information:
- Population: Greenwood has a population of approximately 6,662 as of the 2020 Census, offering a more suburban feel within the Kansas City metro area.
- Location of City Hall: Greenwood City Hall is located at 709 W Main Street, Greenwood, MO 64034.
- Date of Formation: Greenwood was incorporated in 1867, originally serving as a small farming community before growing into a suburban area.
Fence Installation Requirements:
- Permit Requirement: A permit is required for any fence over 6 feet tall. Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit but must comply with other local regulations.
- Height Restrictions:
- Front yard fences are limited to a maximum height of 4 feet.
- Fences in side and rear yards can be up to 6 feet high, similar to the other localities.
- Material Restrictions:
- Prohibited materials include barbed wire and electrified fencing in residential areas.
- Decorative fencing is encouraged, particularly in front yards.
- Placement:
- Fences must be built within the property line, and owners are encouraged to discuss plans with neighbors, especially when close to the boundary.
- Greenwood also enforces clear visibility at intersections.
- Maintenance: Property owners are responsible for keeping their fences in good condition, with enforcement action possible if a fence falls into disrepair.
Key Differences Between Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, and Greenwood
– Permit Requirements:
- Lee’s Summit requires a permit for all fence installations, while Lone Jack and Greenwood only require permits for fences over 6 feet tall.
– Material Regulations:
- All three localities prohibit barbed wire and electrified fencing in residential areas, but Lee’s Summit is stricter about discouraging chain link fencing in front yards.
– Placement Rules:
- Lone Jack is slightly more flexible with property line placement, allowing fences closer to the line with neighbor agreements, whereas Lee’s Summit and Greenwood have more rigid enforcement of property line boundaries.
Conclusion
Understanding the local rules and regulations for fence installations is essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or the need for costly adjustments. Lee’s Summit, Lone Jack, and Greenwood, Missouri, each have specific requirements, and while they share some commonalities, their differences make it important to research and follow the guidelines relevant to your locality.
If you’re planning to install a fence in any of these areas, make sure to check with your local municipal office for the most current information and to obtain any necessary permits. Proper planning and adherence to local rules will help you create a safe and attractive addition to your property that enhances its value and appeal.
