(a) The following requirements shall apply only to the construction of fences:
(1) Fences shall be installed so that the finished side is to the neighbor's view. All posts and structural members shall be on the side facing the installer's property. (Exception: when the style of fencing commonly described as "Good Neighbor Fence" is utilized.)
(2) Fencing shall be installed plumb and the top finish of the fence shall be uniform. Fences shall follow the contour of the ground as far as is practical. Adjustments for grade shall occur at the bottom of the fence. Where adjustments for grade changes are severe enough to require stepping, a minimum of eight feet (8') of uniform fence run shall be maintained prior to each step.
(3) Where a neighbor has already installed a fence along a property line an additional fence will not be permitted. If a neighbor's fence does not border the entire property line a new section of fence may be installed along that portion of the property line. If the installation leaves gaps, connection to the existing fence may be made with the neighbor's permission. If the neighbor will not allow physical connection to their fence, then the new fence can be cantilevered to project to within four inches of the existing fence but may not cross the property line.
(4) The height of the fence shall be controlled by the applicable provisions of the Village Zoning Code for the district in which the fence will be located. The height of fences shall be measured from a point not to exceed six inches (6") above the finished grade line or natural contour of the ground.
(b) The following requirements shall apply only to the construction of screen walls:
(1) Screen walls shall be installed so that all posts and structural members are covered with a finish material to within at least twelve inches but no closer than eight inches of grade unless treated for grounds contact. Materials shall be listed for exterior use and be compatible with the structure to which it is adjoined. (Exception: when fencing materials are used for a screen wall they shall be installed so the finished side is to the neighbor's view.)
(2) Screen walls shall be installed plumb and the top finish of the wall shall be level. Adjustments for grade shall occur at the bottom of the wall Where adjustments for grade changes are severe enough to require stepping, a minimum of sixteen feet of uniform wall run shall be maintained prior to each step. The bottom of the screen wall shall not leave gaps from grade of more than twelve inches (12").
(3) The height of a screen wall that is attached to the main structure shall not exceed six feet (6') above the floor, deck, balcony, or patio and must comply to all setback requirements of the main structure. The height above grade of the screen wall that is independent from the main structure or does not meet the setback requirements for main structures shall comply with regulation in the Zoning Code for a fence. (Exception: a screen wall used to provide privacy for a swimming pool that complies with the accessory use requirements and setbacks may be built to a height of six feet (6') above the floor level of an attached deck or the water surface.)
(c) The following requirements shall apply to both fences and screen walls:
(1) All fences and screen walls shall be erected to withstand a fifteen pound horizontal wind pressure, shall be placed perpendicular to the ground and shall be substantially and properly supported according to the standard practice.
(2) Fencing and screen walls shall not be topped with sharp points such as may readily result in bodily injury and no portion of fencing shall be of barbed wire.
(3) Where solid fences or screen walls are erected and where a water drainage situation occurs, such problem shall be disposed of by placing adequate outlets at the bottom of the fence or screen wall to eliminate possible accumulation of stagnant water or other undesirable conditions.
(Ord. 01-08. Passed 7-11-01.)