How can I add height to my privacy fence?

Lori Ann Lahr
by Lori Ann Lahr

My neighbor just constructed a tall jungle gym within a few feet of our privacy fence. Now their small boys can see into my screened-in pool area (where I swim and sunbathe in the nude). I can’t believe they put it there and sooooo close! How rude!!! They have a HUGE yard with nothing else in there. I know because their fence gate is down and I can see in there when walking my dog. I’m going to ask him to either move it or board that side of the jungle gym up so the kids can’t see.


  7 answers
  • Nan W. Nan W. on Jan 06, 2020

    Lori Ann: maybe they did not want to put it near where their fence gate was down. You could always put up a taller cedar fence in that area. ...or put on your bathing suit.

  • Gk Gk on Jan 06, 2020

    Well evidently Lori, your privacy fence worked because your neighbors must not know you sunbathe and swim in the nude! I might casually mention to those neighbors that you LOVE their jungle gym BUT now their wonderful little boys will have a really good view of you in your yard sunbathing and swimming in the nude! As in, "Just wanted to you know..."

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jan 06, 2020

    Hi Lori, they may not have realized that the kids can see your sun bathing. Have you tried chatting to them about it? I know growing up, a couple moved in next door to us and they used to sunbathe in the nude too. Back then it was very risque. They popped around one night and explained and that it's their home and if we're not comfortable with it we could have to come talk to them. That was more than 40 years ago and we are still friends. It's great that you are concerned about the kids seeing you in the nude, but It's your private space and your home to do in what you want. I hope you get it resolved, and yes, you are fully entitled to ask him to move it or board it up.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 06, 2020

    Agree with above about a conversation but if that doesn't work, perhaps adding lattic panels and then fill them in with greenery (artificial for year round) might work.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 06, 2020

    Depending on your local City’s enforcement of the Building & Zoning Codes, you may not legally be able to have a fence over 6’ tall.


    As in adding a trellis or fence panel on top of an existing 6’ high fence is a Citation-able offense in most Cities.


    I’ve only found one City in 30 years of architecture projects that allowed 8’ high.


    But the loophole is this: 6’ Above Grade.

    So build a 4’ tall planter or “raised bed” and sink a few new 6’ tall posts & panels and tah dah, a 10’ high fence.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 06, 2020

    Hello Lori Ann,

    Bet your neighbour didn't think about that when they purchased the item, but you can add a narrow fence panel or trellis top to your fence ....Best wishes.

  • William William on Jan 06, 2020

    I agree with Lifestyle Homes. You local building codes delegate fence heights. It's their yard and they can do as they please. If you have good rapport with them you can ask them to move it but they don't have to.