The following standards shall apply to the installation of all fences and walls. Fences and walls require approval from the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board (ARHPB), if ARHPB review is also required for the underlying development project. Perimeter fences and walls adjacent to the public right-of-way within a proposed subdivision require approval from the Commission, as part of the tentative map review process.
A. Height Limitations. Fences and walls are subject to the following height limitations:
1. General Height Limits for Residential Uses.
a. Standard Parcels. On all parcels except corner lots, fences, walls, or similar obstructions shall not exceed the following height limitations:
(1) Front Yards. 3 feet. May be increased to 4 feet with approval of an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 (Administrative Use Permits), or up to 6 feet with approval of a use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.24 (Use Permits).
(2) Rear Yards. 7 feet for all fences; may be increased to 8 feet with approval of an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 (Administrative Use Permits).
(3) Side Yards. 7 feet for all fences outside the front yard setback area (see Figure 5-1). Interior side yard fencing may be increased to 8 feet with approval of an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 (Administrative Use Permits).
No fence authorized by a use permit shall exceed 6 feet in height in any required front or street side yard nor 8 feet in height in any rear or interior side yard.
b. Corner Parcels.
(1) No fence, wall, or other visual obstruction over 3 feet in height above the top of the existing or planned curb elevation shall be located within a sight distance area.
This provision shall not apply to: public utility poles; trees trimmed, to the trunk, to a line at least 13 feet 6 inches over a curb area and 10 feet over a sidewalk; saplings or plant species of open growth habits and not planted in the form of a hedge, which are so planted and trimmed as to leave, at all seasons, a clear and unobstructed crossview; supporting members of appurtenances to permanent structures existing on the effective date of these Regulations; and official governmental warning signs or signals.
(2) Street side yard fences, up to a maximum height of 7 feet for all fences outside the front yard setback area (see Figure 5-1). Street side yard fencing may be increased to 8 feet with approval of an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 (Administrative Use Permits).
c. Swimming Pools, Spas and Similar Residential Amenities. Swimming pools, spas and other similar residential amenities shall be fenced in compliance with the California Building Code.
d. Parcels with Grade Differential. Where there is a difference of less than 2 feet in the ground level between two adjacent parcels, the height of any fence or wall constructed along the common property line shall be determined by using the finished grade of the highest contiguous parcel. When there is a difference of 2 feet or more in the ground level between two adjacent parcels, the height of any fence or wall on the property line shall be determined by the Director. The granting of an administrative use permit, in compliance with Chapter 19.25, may allow a fence or wall in excess of 6 feet in height between two adjacent parcels up to maximum height of either 10 feet, measured from the finished grade of the lower parcel at the property line, or 6 feet above the approved minimum finished floor elevation of either adjacent parcel.
2. General Height Limits for Commercial and Industrial Uses. Fences up to 10 feet in height are allowed non-residential sites when not adjacent to residential use or zone and consistent with the California Building Code; and if there are no sight distance area problems as determined by the Director.
B. Setback Requirements. Fences or walls may be located on any property lines in compliance with the height limits of Subsection A (Height Limitations), above.
C. Multi-Family Fencing Requirements. Development of two or more residential units on a single parcel shall require the installation of fencing along the side and rear property lines. Development of a single project on more than one parcel shall require fencing only on the project perimeter side and rear property lines. The fencing in multi-family projects shall not exceed the maximum allowable height, nor be required in a street side yard or adjoining a permanent open space.
D. Fence Design, Generally. Only one type of fence or wall design shall be allowed on any multi-family, commercial, or manufacturing site. Perimeter fencing along a public right-of-way for a single-family subdivision is subject to review and approval by the Commission as part of the subdivision review process. Perimeter fences or walls adjoining public rights-of-way shall be articulated to prevent a monotonous appearance on a continuous wall. The design may include an appropriate mix of materials and finish subject to the approval of the Director.
E. Required Fences Exempt. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a fence or wall required by any law or regulation of the City, State, or any agency thereof.
F. Prohibited Materials. The use of barbed wire, electrified fence, or razor wire fence in conjunction with any fence or wall, or by itself, is prohibited in all zoning districts unless:
1. Approved in a commercial or industrial zoning district, in compliance with Chapter 19.24 (Use Permits); and
2. Consistent with the requirements of Civil Code Section 835, including but not limited to the following:
a. Signage. Electrified fences shall be identified by prominently placed warning signs that are legible from both sides of the fence.
b. Perimeter fencing. Electrified fences shall be located behind a perimeter fence that is not less than 6 feet in height.
3. Or as required by any law or regulation of the City, State, or any agency thereof.
G. Landscaping adjacent to fencing and screening. For projects requiring architectural review in compliance with Chapter 19.18, landscaping (such as creeping vine species, shrubs, or hedges) shall be planted and maintained close to ground-mounted fencing and screening walls to dissuade graffiti vandalism, unless approved otherwise through the architectural review process.
H. Fencing or Wall Requirements. All multi-family and non-residential land uses shall comply with the following screening requirements:
1. Screening Between Different Land Uses. Wherever a site zoned for multi-family residential, commercial, or manufacturing purposes adjoins a residential zoning district, a 6-foot-high wood fence or solid decorative masonry wall (7 feet if one foot of lattice or other 50% view permeable material is incorporated into the top one foot of the fence design) shall be constructed along the property line adjoining the residential zoning district. The fence or wall shall be architecturally treated on both sides, subject to the approval of the Director, the Commission, or the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board if part of a project review.
2. Equipment. Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, loading docks, service yards, trash and storage areas, and utility services shall be properly screened from public view. The method of screening shall be architecturally compatible with other site development in terms of materials, colors, shape, and size. The screening design and construction shall be subject to the approval of the Director, or the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board if part of a project review, and shall blend with the design of the structures and include appropriately installed and maintained landscaping when on the ground.
3. Outdoor Storage and Work Yards. All auto dismantling operations, auto wrecking yards, building materials supply yards, junk yards, lumber yards, recycling facility/processing centers, scrap metal yards, waste resource and waste recycling operations, and uses with similar outside storage shall comply with the following:
a. Outside uses shall have a solid sight-obscuring masonry wall or metal fence not less than 6 feet, nor more than 8 feet, in height, of a type and design approved in advance of construction or installation by the Director, or the Architectural and Historic Preservation Review Board if part of a project review. The fence shall include one or more operable gates to be used as the only entrances and exits for the property. The fence and gate shall be properly maintained to continuously conform to all conditions of approval.
b. All operations in conjunction with the above-listed uses, including the loading and unloading of materials and equipment, shall be conducted entirely within the fenced area.
c. All materials and equipment, including storage containers, trailers, and trucks, shall be stored within the fenced area. The materials and equipment shall not be maintained, stored, or used so as to be visible above the height of the sight- obscuring fence or wall except as follows:
(1) Mechanical equipment, including cranes, crushers, and loaders, may be of a height which may be visible beyond the limits of the property; and
(2) Except for equipment designed to move under its own power, all mechanical equipment with a height exceeding the sight-obscuring fence or wall shall be located a minimum distance of 40 feet from any exterior property line when adjacent to a residential district.
4. Outdoor Garden Supply Areas. Outdoor garden supply areas shall be screened with fencing, meshing, or other similar sight-obscuring material.
I. Temporary Fencing. Temporary fencing may be necessary to protect archaeological or historic resources and/or trees during site preparation and construction. Temporary fencing for these purposes shall be subject to the approval of the Director.
J. Recreational Court Fencing. Fencing for recreational facilities such as tennis or basketball courts shall comply with all building code regulations.
(Ord. 2185; Ord. 2223; Ord. 2358 §12; Ord. 2397 §8, Ord. 2435 §32, Ord. 2494 §34, Ord. 2519 §21, Ord. 2580 §13, Ord. 2600)
