Neighbors’ battle over fences uncovers conflicting city ordinances

Homeowners in Garden City, Missouri thought they were abiding by city ordinances when they put up a new fence earlier this month, but after a dispute with their neighbors, they were left befuddled. WDAF Fox 4 spoke with the homeowner, Judy Tabor, and she showed them the city issued building permit she and her husband received before construction. Tabor said that after the fence was completed, her neighbor objected and, “She told us to get off her property.” But the Tabors had a survey done to set the fence back four inches from the property line so they could weed and stain the back of it.

The neighbors, who claim that they didn’t have a problem with the Tabors’ fence, still extended their own fence next to the Tabors’ fence, blocking them from accessing the back. The Tabors were certain that their neighbor’s fence was illegally placed because it was right on the property line, so they asked Garden City for the fence ordinance.

Ms. Tabor learned that both fences were actually illegal, and the city requires them to be set back 12 inches from the property line. This left Tabor confused because the same city issued them a building permit. Mayor Dewey Henry explained it simply, saying, “We have two conflicting ordinances.” Mayor Henry went on to say that there are several contradicting ordinances in Garden City that need to be changed, and as WDAF reported, “they are in the process of doing that.” Until that change comes, the mayor said that both fences could stay where they are, adding this advice, “Don’t know why you all just don’t go over by the fence. Have a cup of coffee. Talk. Just get along, just like neighbors should.”

Rather than mend fences, the Tabors have decided to shell out $3200 to move their fence 12 inches and gain access to the back of it.

Video and more info: WDAF