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Comprehensive Plan, City of Paris, Texas Future Land Use providing room for more backyard shade trees, landscaping, and in instances where existing vegetation is nearby, more beneficial wildlife habitat. Houses should not be allowed to be pulled back off of the streets because of deeper lots as this diminishes the small-town pedestrian quality of the street environment. Yard setback requirements should also specify a "build-to" line. Require visually appealing, points of beautification within subdivisions. The development of points of beautification within new subdivisions can enhance the perception of neighborhood, a characteristic that is important in the development and maintenance of small-town atmosphere. Beautification areas maintained by a neighborhood association should be encouraged particularly at entrances. Subdivision identification monument signs are also optional. Adopt residential fence specifications to control type of fencing used in residential areas. Fences help individual property owners establish a clearly defined space around their homes, which is an important element in developing a sense of security in a residential area. Most fencing types should be allowed in residential areas. Privacy fences prohibit visual access to property and makes casual surveillance by law enforcement and neighbors more difficult. The basic design tenet of maintaining human scale must be followed. Therefore, fences in residential areas should be limited to no more than 6'-0" in height. An 8'-0" fence, for example, violates the human scale, leaving a feeling of being "boxed in." Further, visual surveillance is important in creating a safe neighborhood environment. De-emphasize garages and carports extending out from house fronts. Garages which extend out from the front of a house create an emphasis on the automobile system of a neighborhood, diminish the effects of inviting front doors and porches, and are simply less attractive than the house itself. All of these effects break down the pedestrian oriented quality which is sought for new residential areas in Paris. A maximum percentage of street fagade devoted to garage area should be established as a control measure for visual quality. Design new subdivisions in order to minimize initial and future public and private costs. Clarify and enforce policies and regulations to assure that public improvements are paid for by private development rather than the City-at-large. Implement the utility extension policies of the Comprehensive Plan through the designation of "Urban Service Areas." V 8288\WPCVin•rl rcport 2-0Ldoc 63 BWR