City may axe the ban on wood fences

Installing new wood fencing has been prohibited in Simi for the past four years, but the City Council is rethinking that ban.

Last month, the council directed city staff to draft amendments to the municipal code that would allow wooden fencing in residential areas—even areas that are visible from the street.

“I don’t think we should have a restriction,” Councilmember Michelle Foster said at a February meeting. “People should have a choice on how they want to do it. If they’re not in compliance, I think that’s our job (to enforce).”

The council will vote on the proposed revisions when they are brought back later this month.

In March 2006, the city updated its development code and voted to prohibit the use of wood as an approved fencing material in all zoning districts of the city.

The decision was prompted by concerns over the maintenance of wood, which has higherthan-average repair costs and quickly deteriorates in Simi’s hot, arid environment.

The City Council decided at that time that fencing in new subdivisions and new fencing in other areas should be made of more durable decorative masonry or wrought iron. Currently, only existing wood fencing in need of maintenance may be replaced with wood.

While wood is vulnerable to weather and pests and costs more to maintain, a diligent homeowner can keep their wood fence in good condition if they clean and refinish it every few years, said Mayor Paul Miller.

“I think we should basically leave it up to the homeowner,” he said.

Alternative wood materials can also end up looking rundown if neglected, Miller added.

Though the council is for allowing residents to choose whether they put up a wooden fence or one made of another material, Mayor Pro Tem Glen Becerra said he doesn’t want to see wood outside of the city’s residential areas.

“I am all in favor of a homeowner being able to erect a wood fence in their yard. I’m not so convinced that it is a good idea in a commercial or industrial area. . . . I’d much rather see the block wall or wrought iron,” he said.

City staff told the council the city doesn’t receive many complaints about wood fencing but said a property maintenance ordinance allows the city to handle code enforcement violations.