(A) FRONT YARD FENCE is defined as any fence which is built past the front building line of the principal structure on a lot. The front building line is a line parallel to the front lot line which passes through the supporting member of the principal structure. Front yard fences are allowed with the following requirements:
(1) Front yard fences are subject to the approval of the Building Inspector. A building permit is required for all front yard fences.
(2) Front yard fences must be decorative fences constructed of conventional fencing materials such as picket, split rail, or decorative iron. Fence material shall be pre-approved by the Building Department. Materials such as chain link, wire, barbed-wire, railroad ties or plywood are not allowed. See-through fences that do not impact the visual dominance of the home are recommended.
(3) Front yard fences must not be higher than 48 inches. Posts may not be higher than six inches above the fence.
(4) No front yard fence may obstruct or impair the “visual sight-line” required of any driveway, street, alley, private street, avenue, lane, sidewalk, public way or public passageway. The minimum “visual sight-line” requirement is 25 feet of clear space or 45 degrees line of sight, whichever provides the best visibility.
(B) Sight-proof fences (i.e., brick or wood) may not exceed eight feet in height and see-through fences (i.e., chain-link) may not exceed six feet in height in rear yards in residentially-zoned districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MF-1, MF-2 and MH-1). Where a corner lot has two front yards, the second front yard may be fenced in the same manner as any other side yard adjacent to a street.
(C) No old or used materials shall be used in the construction of any fence. Fencing material must be in a sound and usable condition. All fences shall be maintained in a good state of repair at all times. Painted or stained fences must be kept in good appearance. No fence in any zone may be electrified.
(D) Exceptions:
(1) For public and parochial schools, private and primary schools, and day care centers, fences or berms may be a combined maximum height of 60 inches above grade, provided that the fence material is wrought iron or chain link.
(2) Wire fences are allowed in the General Industrial (GI-1) District in front yards and may be allowed to enclose pastures, cropland and other areas used for agricultural purposes. The wall or fence shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(Ord. 2017-14, passed 10-17-2017) Penalty, see § 151.99