While they are not codified by law, these conventions have historically been observed in the neighborhood and help maintain its historic character. We encourage neighbors to learn about and respect the conventions.

Fences

When the neighborhood was developed in the early 1920s, the front lawns of each home were thought of as combining to create a kind of linear park. On many blocks, this is still the case and you can look from one end to the other without any visual interruptions. Front yard fences deviate from this convention and disrupt the visual patterns of the street and are not in keeping with the neighborhood’s character.

Side and rear fences have always been a part of the neighborhood, however they are traditionally made of brick or wood. For this reason fences made of vinyl are discouraged. When fences abut a sidewalk or street — such as on a corner lot — they should be buffered by vegetation and not constructed immediately adjacent to the street or sidewalk.

The standards for fences in Ardsley Park are side fences up to six feet, 8 feet in the rear, and typically not in the front yards which were meant to appear as linear parks. Fences that face streets should be at least 3 feet back with plantings in front of them. This keeps the “park” in Ardsley Park!

Windows

Original windows are an important character-defining feature of buildings and the entire neighborhood. Replacement of windows should be avoided, unless they are damaged beyond repair. Replacing historic windows can diminish, or potentially destroy, the historic character of a building. The National Park Service provides this helpful brief on the repair of historic wooden windows. The National Trust for Historic Preservation also offers this resource: 13 Things You Should Know About Retrofitting Historic Windows. The Historic Savannah Foundation (912-233-7787) can also assist in making neighborhood appropriate window choices.