Buffalo Grove will draft an ordinance that could increase fence heights from 5 feet to 6 feet after residents weighed in almost two to one in favor of the move.

The village conducted an informal online survey and received 553 responses — 196 in favor of maintaining the 5-foot fence height and 361 for increasing it. Brian Sheehan, deputy building commissioner and village health officer, acknowledged several responses on both sides originated from the same IP address and could indicate an attempt to skew results.

Trustee Jeffrey Berman said either way, the volume of responses on both sides alone warrants a revised ordinance.

“One thing is clear — this is an issue that needs to be decided by the board,” he said.

In December, the Zoning Board of Appeals denied a motion to increase the maximum allowable height by 1 foot. Buffalo Grove officials had recommended the change because two homeowners requested variances for 6-foot fences. The higher fence would only be allowed on interior side and backyard fences, but not on front yards or corner side yards.

Survey respondents wanting higher fences cited privacy, blocked views of  ugly neighboring yards and a possible deterrent to barking or jumping dogs. Many claimed 5-foot fencing is not standard at home improvement stores and therefore can be more costly.

Those opposing the change said higher fences would diminish contact between neighbors and were unnecessary.

Though police initially were concerned about a lack of visibility with a 6-foot fence, they did not oppose a possible new ordinance.

Village president Elliot Hartstein said it is not often that the village receives such a sizeable response. He asked staff to notify residents when the issue returns to the board’s agenda.