White House Fence is Getting a Total Makeover

A series of security breaches involving people scaling the White House fence is prompting authorities to propose completely redesigning it.

The National Capital Planning Commission reviewed the design concept this week for a new White House fence, which was submitted by the U.S. Secret Service and National Park Service, according to a statement from the NPS.

The Commission of Fine Arts also reviewed and approved the concept on June 16, and the agencies will proceed to the next stage of design approvals later this year.

The NCPC has signed off on the size and spacing of fence pickets, as a wider picket spacing may actually provide a better view of the White House grounds for visitors while also improving security.

Additionally, the fence will be a lot taller and stronger with anti-climb and intrusion detection technology, but the design is also aimed at "respecting the historical significance and visitor experience at the White House and President's Park," the statement noted.

It would certainly be a significant increase in height. The current fence is 7 feet tall, but the new proposed fence would be 11 feet, 7 inches tall.

Construction is tentatively planned for 2018.

You can find the full recommendations of the NCPC here.