A privacy fence, or even short sections of a fence can create cozy micro-environments within your yard that protect you from prying eyes of neighbors or strangers. Your choices of materials for the privacy fence are many. Wood, vinyl and metal immediately come to mind. Many zoning codes regulate fences of all types. Not only is the height of fencing an issue, the fencing material and the direction the fence faces is often covered within the code. Zoning codes can be highly restrictive when it comes to fencing. Be sure to check with the experts first if you're going to do-it-yourself.