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Northborough board discusses fence bylaw changes to address hedges and visibility
Summary
Town staff briefed the ZBA on proposed fence‑bylaw language treating hedges as a regulatory element in front‑yard setbacks; the board asked staff to refine setback options and clarify enforcement and grandfathering.
Board members reviewed proposed language to include hedges (rows of shrubs) in front‑yard visibility rules and discussed enforcement and grandfathering.
Town staff said the draft language treats a row of shrubs as a hedge and that the restriction applies only within the front‑yard setback (whichever is closer to the roadway). "So it's an issue only within the front yard setback," staff said, noting existing, pre‑existing hedges would be grandfathered. The draft currently limits hedge height within the setback to roughly 3.5 feet, though members suggested the distance or height could be adjusted for visibility concerns.
Members raised practical enforcement questions: staff said enforcement would generally be complaint‑driven and that visibility issues (for example when backing from a driveway) would be the primary trigger for action. Board members debated whether a 30‑foot setback is appropriate given mature shrub growth and maintenance uncertainty; several suggested a shorter setback (for example 5–10 ft) might better balance privacy and sightlines. Staff said they would take feedback to the Planning Board and consider refined setback distances.
The board did not act on the bylaw at this meeting; staff will bring revised language and options to the Planning Board for further consideration and possible public hearing.
