[bluedog103]

In our New York neighborhood fences are allowed. Some folks have them, some don't. All are neat and in good condition. If somebody's fence or house or yard begins to look shabby, a simple conversation is generally all that is needed to get things in order. If the neighbor needs help, they get it. Just being neighborly. Nobody abandons their dogs to the yards, nobody abandons their kids to the yards. No Hatfield/McCoy feuds over fences, no calls to the "authorities". They must be doing something wrong up there. Sure is boring, or is that peaceful?
In TV, rules say in most cases no fences. We abide by those rules as well. I don't think they are necessary but it's not my decision. I knew the rules when I bought here.
In my experience, people are pretty considerate of their neighbors. Rather than paint everyone with the same broad brush, it's better to deal with individuals. There have always been noise rules, litter rules, pet abuse rules, pet abandonment rules. How many rules do adults need? Neighbors can almost always get along. If you get a stinker, deal with the stinker. A simple conversation is generally all that is needed to reach an agreement. The offender usually doesn't even know there is an issue.