Scrap city’s ban on wood fences

This is a “give me a break” moment. In regards to the ban in Simi Valley on new wood fences, I must admit that I was ignorant of such an outrageous ordinance that went into effect in 2006.

According to the report in the March 5 Acorn , the council will vote, later this month, on revising this restriction to exclude residential property.

I am enraged that our freedom of choice was violated by our City Council. According to the article, the council thought—for the good of the public—that new fencing should be made of material other than wood (i.e., masonry, wrought iron, plastic). Mayor Miller felt that wood costs too much to maintain.

These alternative materials are much more expensive and also require maintenance. Which one of these materials is more environmentally friendly when disposed of in our landfill? My answer is wood. I feel wood fencing should not be a matter dictated by our City Council.

According to Mayor Pro Tem Glen Becerra, he is in favor of homeowners being able to erect wood fences in their yard but feels this is not the case for commercial or industrial property. He said, “I’d much rather see the block wall or wrought iron.”

Well, Mr. Becerra, I don’t like seeing things such as the tree that the city planted in front of my home, but I’m not insisting that you remove all of them.

The council not only encroached on homeowner’s rights but also the rights of the businesses in our city.

I am not a business owner, but I believe in “for the good of all.” Businesses are already bowing to the city’s standards, and to uphold such an ordinance might be the last straw for them.

People on all sides are struggling to stay afloat. My proposal, City Council, is to not only remove the residential ban but drop the ban entirely.

In the future, remember you are the minority supporting the majority who voted you into office. Also remember commercial properties are bringing in most of the city’s revenue.
Pat Fannin
Simi Valley