The Fences of Prince William County

Two weeks ago, I wrote an article about fences. I told you I was working with a focus group to revise the county ordinances regarding fences. I described what I knew to date and asked for your input. Many of you responded with comments. I’ve added a Word document so you can read some of the comments that came in via email, Patch and Facebook. I stripped the last names and addresses to protect privacy.

Our focus group met again yesterday. The focus group is comprised of ordinary citizens from Dale City, Woodbridge and Manassas. We are working with Supervisor Jenkins and his staff, Nick Evers, Zoning Chief, two county attorneys, a VDOT representative, staff liaisons from Woodbridge and Gainesville, and representatives from Public Works.

We are attempting to devise some language that will be enforceable to benefit all the citizens of Prince William County. All the comments I received were in support of some ordinances to improve the current situation. Only one comment was opposed, and I believe that opposition is unwarranted, as that opposition is not representative of our attempts at better regulation, but I hope you’ll read all and reach your own conclusions.

What We Learned:

 The original covenants that conveyed with the land do not expire and are transferable. In other words, if you are the first, second, third, etc. owner, you are still under the original deed restrictions and covenants.

The enforcement of covenant violation is nearly impossible because taking legal action against someone in violation of their covenants requires residents to file civil suit. (Remember: we are talking about neighborhoods with no HOA. If you have an HOA, those rules supersede the county ordinances and are enforceable through the association.)

In other words: If you have no HOA, you have only the county ordinances to protect you from some of the atrocities you saw in the last batch of pictures or in today’s accompanying photos.

You Can Help

The process is long and complicated. County staff attempts to make certain the language is fair and defensible while we emotional, passionate citizens demand they see how we live.

We’re doing something new, thanks to Patch. I’m attempting to involve citizen input early in the process to help craft a better result. Your opinions are being shared with the group and with anyone who reads Patch. Over time, I’ll keep you updated and let you know what steps you can help with, as we follow through the recommendations, submissions, review, and revisions before various committees, commissions and public hearings.

Continue to send me comments. Upload your pictures to Dale City Patch or send them to me.

The focus group is not the Gestapo. Our intention is not to force anyone to comply with some rigid guideline. Our primary concern is public safety, but you should know that public safety depends upon people caring. A neglected neighborhood, with fences falling down, fences with peeling paint, or fences placed too close to the sidewalk all show a lack of respect and courtesy for neighboring properties and the neighbors who live there.

Crime moves into a neighborhood when it looks like nobody cares.