[SantaClaus]

So, we've been doing a lot of house shopping (dreaming really, at this point) and my wife keeps seeing pictures like this:

... with nothing between you and the neighbor but a close-cropped lawn. She is very concerned about privacy and proximity to neighbors. I assume that almost every bit of that lawn is easement, but I also assume that you can put hedges, bushes and trees in that easement, right? These folks just chose not to, right? Looking at that blank wall isn't much different to me than a privacy fence, but apparently it makes her skin crawl! The word "penitentiary" was even used. So, what are the restrictions regarding landscaping? I know fences are out, as are hard scape elements in the setbacks or easements. Thanks in advance.

[rdhdleo]

You can find many homes that have bushes/hedges along their property line, Most of my neighbors have them and it's fine to do so. I am in Marion County not sure if that makes a difference but I have seen the same thing in Sumter CountyI do believe there is a limit as to the height but I have seen some up to 4 ft. tall We have gardenia bushes right behind out lanai that are 5 ft tall and that gives is a lot of privacy beside their beauty and scent

[villagetinker]

I went to the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) with a similar question. I was told, you cannot plant ANYTHING in the swale area (2 foot on either side of the property line), this MUST remain grass. As for the rest of the yard, there are several (in my opinion very confusing) requirements depending on the lot size, if you have a house to the rear, if you have a road to the rear, or if you have a golf course/lake, etc., to the rear.

If this might be a deal killer, have your agent arrange a discussion with ARC and your property plan in hand.

Good luck.

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by SantaClaus

So, we've been doing a lot of house shopping (dreaming really, at this point) and my wife keeps seeing pictures like this:
Attachment 41938
... with nothing between you and the neighbor but a close-cropped lawn. She is very concerned about privacy and proximity to neighbors. I assume that almost every bit of that lawn is easement, but I also assume that you can put hedges, bushes and trees in that easement, right? These folks just chose not to, right? Looking at that blank wall isn't much different to me than a privacy fence, but apparently it makes her skin crawl! The word "penitentiary" was even used. So, what are the restrictions regarding landscaping? I know fences are out, as are hard scape elements in the setbacks or easements. Thanks in advance.

Most of what you can and cannot do is covered in the deed restrictions. Here is a link to a sample deed restrictions for one of the newer areas. Deed restrictions are similar for most areas but there are fewer restrictions in the older neighborhoods (in case you are looking at pre-owned homes)

http://www.districtgov.org/images/De...209/S9-215.pdf

You can find the deed restrictions for any home on this link.Village Community Development Districts

[kittygilchrist]

Santa, you will do well to shop in the north/older areas where yards are larger and landscaping mature. there is no one answer to that question as the community has evolved since it was begun. the closer you are to the original areas, the more leeway you are likely to find with what was/is allowed.
You will have close neighbors compared to green acres, but you don't have to be in spittin' distance.

[pqrstar]

You can also choose a property that backs up to a villa wall.
That would give you some privacy.

[denise adams]

We have a courtyard villa which is perfect for privacy. A very nice PVC fence on two sides of my yard and a very nice wall on the backside. Thats important to us especially since we have a pool.
Now, as to easements. Working for a telco, part of my job was working with easements. Most homes have easements (usually 2-5 ft on both sides of the property line). There's almost always an easement on the front of your home and there may be one on your back yard. They are used by utility company for placing services. Nothing "permanent" can "encroach" on these easements.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by SantaClaus

So, we've been doing a lot of house shopping (dreaming really, at this point) and my wife keeps seeing pictures like this:
Attachment 41938
... with nothing between you and the neighbor but a close-cropped lawn. She is very concerned about privacy and proximity to neighbors. I assume that almost every bit of that lawn is easement, but I also assume that you can put hedges, bushes and trees in that easement, right? These folks just chose not to, right? Looking at that blank wall isn't much different to me than a privacy fence, but apparently it makes her skin crawl! The word "penitentiary" was even used. So, what are the restrictions regarding landscaping? I know fences are out, as are hard scape elements in the setbacks or easements. Thanks in advance.

Have you made a visit to The Villages? You would learn a lot!

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by SantaClaus

So, we've been doing a lot of house shopping (dreaming really, at this point) and my wife keeps seeing pictures like this:
Attachment 41938
... with nothing between you and the neighbor but a close-cropped lawn. She is very concerned about privacy and proximity to neighbors. I assume that almost every bit of that lawn is easement, but I also assume that you can put hedges, bushes and trees in that easement, right? These folks just chose not to, right? Looking at that blank wall isn't much different to me than a privacy fence, but apparently it makes her skin crawl! The word "penitentiary" was even used. So, what are the restrictions regarding landscaping? I know fences are out, as are hard scape elements in the setbacks or easements. Thanks in advance.

The majority of residential lots in TV are, in my opinion, too small; particularly the back yards.

Sound privacy, even if you have visual privacy, is often a problem.

The back yards are so close that even with high, thick hedges you will likely hear your neighbor's TV, or even their conversations, when you are on your lanai with the windows open and they are the same. When we rented, before buying, we found this to be the case. Our purchase was on the end of a cul-de-sac so the yard configuration was different and we don't have this problem.

The close quarters problem is less common in the more expensive neighborhoods. You will also find resales that back on various wildlife reserves, the high tension powerline trail or other permanently open areas.

The real answer, as has been suggested, is to be aware of the privacy issue when actually down here shopping for a residence, and making your selection accordingly.

Good luck.

[SantaClaus]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Have you made a visit to The Villages? You would learn a lot!

Yes, we have visited on multiple occasions. But on our previous visits, retirement seemed a distant idea and now it is basically upon us. We will be visiting again this November and I'm sure we'll have much more in depth questions than before. We are five years (or more) from moving, so I'm not sure who we'll ask the question of. I thought these boards would be a good source of info, but maybe they are more suited to discussing dogs pooping in front yards, holding chairs and mailbox stickers ;-)

(...he nervously grins broadly hoping the villagers appreciate sarcasm)

[SantaClaus]

Thanks for the links to deed restrictions, I'll try to wade through the language for our preferred neighborhoods. BTW, I think a courtyard villa would be ideal for us and our two dachshunds, my wife is less convinced. Maybe seeing a model will help.

[gomoho]

Santa - if she thinks a wall in her backyard (which is a premium) is like a penitentiary she will not be able to handle a villa. We rented one and it was way too closed in for me. You will need to have a sales agent or REALTOR that listens to your concerns and they will find you the right property. But don't expect privacy unless you have the bucks to pay for water or preserve or golf course.

[SantaClaus]

Yeah, I think our differences in priorities are going to come into sharp contrast in the very near future! My thinking is, we are going on a cruise, and the ship has these incredible amenities, so all I need is an interior stateroom and I'll spend all my waking hours taking it all in. My wife seems to want a private balcony and a suite with separate bedroom! We'll see where the middle ground lies. Too far on her side and I may be looking for a job when we get down.

[renielarson]

We back up to the Adult Pool. Our neighbor landscaped in the easement area because they were told that as long as it is "removable" and not "permanent" it was okay...just to be aware that, if needed, they may be asked to remove it in the future. They took the risk.