Many homes in Burnt Store Lakes have fences. Fences can provide benefits including increased security, property delineation, aesthetics, and improved property value. Fences act as a visual boundary preventing accidental or intentional trespassing and improve the security of the structure they surround. If you have a backyard pool, a fence may be required by law. Fences are not just designed to keep people and animals out, So, You Want A Fence? BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ARC & COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON but they also keep things in, like children and pets. From a safety perspective, knowing your children and pets are in a yard that is fenced offers peace of mind when it comes to their well-being. Most fences are built for purely practical reasons, but the fact is that a carefully chosen visual style can dramatically increase the aesthetic value of a property. If the fence is considered an improvement to your home, it can also increase the assessed value of your property.
But fences do not necessarily help create healthy neighbor relationships, especially if you want one and your neighbor doesn’t. It is always a good idea to inform your neighbors that you are thinking about building a fence. Positive and healthy neighbor relationships lead to strong neighborhoods. And strong neighborhoods foster diverse relationships, too.
If you are considering adding a fence to your property, remember that Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners’ Association is a Deed Restricted Community. Our governing documents require consistency in structure improvements such as fences. These regulations ensure a uniform community appearance that helps maintain property values and the sense of community many residents love.
Fences are one of the most frequent applications reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). They are also frequently rejected on the first submission because they do not comply with our deed restrictions. Our restrictions are more stringent than the Charlotte County Zoning restrictions and take precedence over the county. If you are considering installation of a fence, please refer to Sections 5.27 and 5.272 of our Declaration of Restrictions to ensure your application complies the first time it is submitted. The restrictions are available on our website at https://www.bslpoa.org.
Key requirements include:
County Approval: A Charlotte County Zoning Permit is required for fence installation. The county allows fences to be installed on the property line. This is not permitted in Burnt Store Lakes.
Side and Rear Setbacks: Fences are recommended to be placed at the Charlotte County 6-foot drainage and utility side setbacks and the 10- foot rear public utility easement but no less than 3 feet inside the property line to enable required landscaping, maintenance, and drainage access. Please remember that in many cases the setback between homes is only 15 feet (7.5 feet per property). If you and your neighbor both install fences 3 feet from the property lines, only 9 feet is left between the homes for landscaping, maintenance, and drainage. This can result in an overall unattractive appearance.
Front Setbacks: Fences require a minimum setback of 3 feet from the front elevation of the building.
Construction Materials: Chain-link fences of any design or type of weave, structure, or composition are not allowed. Most fences installed are made of aluminum. Vinyl fences are allowed. Gates are also allowed.
Height: Fences cannot exceed a height or elevation of more than 4 feet above ground level.
Landscaping: Landscaping is required around the perimeter of all fences.
Vacant Lots: Fences cannot be installed on vacant lots.
When you are ready to install a fence, please submit a Fence, Enclosure Shield or Wall Application Form to the Burnt Store Lakes Office at 16500 Burnt Store Road Suite 102, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 or email it to [email protected]. Questions can be directed to the BSL Office at (941) 639-5881. Forms are available on the website at https://www.bslpoa. org/p/Forms-Fee-Schedule. Please ensure all required items are attached. These include: 1) A sample or photo of the project material, 2) A site plan of the home with the front, side, and rear setbacks showing where the fence will be installed, 3) A current Contactor’s Certificate of Liability Insurance showing BSLPOA as an additional insured (if a contractor is involved), and 4) A Landscape Plan showing the types of plantings and where the plantings will be installed around the fence.
In summary, fences are a welcome structural improvement to homes in Burnt Store Lakes. They can improve security and safety and enhance the value of your property when installed appropriately. Please remember fences need Association approval and must follow the Association’s Declaration of Restrictions which are more stringent than Charlotte County zoning requirements.
