10/23/2008 5:01:00 AM City adopts new ordinance prohibiting wooden fences
By STEVEN G. WATSON Associate Editor
MADISON - The city has adopted a new fence ordinance that would outlaw wooden fences in yards facing major roadways.
Community Development Director Alan Hoops presented the ordinance to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen Tuesday, saying that it was modeled after one used in Germantown, Tenn.
"The main goal is to require something other than a wooden fence along our main streets," Hoops said, noting it was largely for double fronted lots that face a roadway.
Instead the city will require iron fencing, with Hoops also recommending a line of shrubs or plants to give residents more privacy.
"Where we approved iron fencing many people don't feel they have enough privacy," Hoops said. "Overall it's a better way to have a more permanent fence that will look good for the next 20 to 30 years."
Ward 3 Alderman Ken Jacobs asked if residences that currently have wooden fences would have to change, but Hoops explained all existing fences would be grandfathered in and the ordinance would only apply to new construction.
"We think this ordinance is a good one," Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler said. "It takes some time to change, but overall it's better."
In other board business:
• Mayor Hawkins-Butler reported to the board that a delegation of 44 people from St. Francisville, La., will be visiting and scouting the city of Madison in order to obtain ideas and fashion unprecedented growth expected in their community in the near future.
"They're where we were about 20 years ago and chose Madison to use as an example," Butler said.
Located about 30 minutes from Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is a small town of about 2,000 people, which touts a long list of historic plantation homes, gardens, and a historic shopping district.
