A. Applicability: Unless otherwise expressly stated, fences, hedges, and walls provided to meet regulations of this Title are subject to the regulations of this section.
B. Location:
1. Fences, hedges, and walls in any district shall be located on or within the boundary lines of the property owner unless approved otherwise in writing by the Zoning Official upon consent from the affected adjacent property owner.
2. Fences or walls adjacent to a sidewalk or trail shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the back of the sidewalk/trail or placed along the property line, whichever distance is greater. Fences may not be located within the vision triangle when the fences are abutting the intersection of two streets.
3. It shall be unlawful for any fence, hedge, or wall to create an unsafe or dangerous obstruction or condition on a property. This includes a fence, hedge, or wall that obstructs reasonable access to the utility, irrigation, or drainage equipment, structures, or facilities located within a dedicated easement or right-of-way by persons who are entitled to gain access to such equipment, structures, or facilities.
C. Height:
1. Fences, hedges, and walls shall not exceed six feet in height in any side and rear yards.
2. Fences shall not exceed four feet in any front yard as defined in this code. An exception to the height restrictions will be granted for fences used in an agricultural pursuit to retain stock animals.
3. In the case of a fence erected on top of a retaining wall, the height shall be measured from the top surface of the wall to the ground on the high side of the wall.
D. Materials And Construction:
1. The finished surface of a fence shall face adjacent property owners or the street frontage. Non-decorative elements such as fence posts and supporting structures shall face inward when visible on one side, not outward.
2. Barbed wire, or any other sharp fencing material, shall be permitted to be erected and maintained in any district in or out of the City limits for an undeveloped and unplatted property that is used for grazing farm animals that the City Council has approved as per exemption in Section 4-1-8 of the Belgrade City Code. The barbed wire shall be removed when required by the City Council.
3. Electrically charged fences shall be permitted only in the R, FE, or I Districts.
4. When electrically charged fences are used in the R, FE, or I Districts, such fence shall be posted with warning signs at intervals not to exceed 150 feet where such fences are adjacent to public rights-of- way.
5. All fences, hedges, and walls shall be maintained in good condition at all times. All fences and walls shall be neatly finished and repaired, including all parts and supports. (Ord. 2023-7, 7-17-2023)