A. Applicability. Fences, hedges and walls shall be installed and maintained in compliance with this Section. These regulations do not apply to fences required by the City for reasons of public safety.
B. General Height Limitations. Fences, hedges, and walls shall comply with the height limitations of Table 3-2 (Maximum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls).
Table 3-2
Minimum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls
Minimum Height of Fences, Hedges, and Walls
Location
|
Maximum Height (1) | Additional Requirements
|
Location
|
Maximum Height (1) | Additional Requirements
|
Residential Zone - Within the required front setback | 4 feet (2) | When within 10 feet of a public street right-of-way, and 5 feet of the intersection of the driveway or alley with the public street right-of-way, the portion of the fence or wall above 30 inches in height shall be of an openwork design (e.g., wrought iron or other material allowing visibility), to ensure adequate visibility for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. |
Residential Zone - Within a 15 foot intersection safety sightline. | 4 feet (2) | The portion of the fence or wall above 30 inches in height shall be of an openwork design (e.g., wrought iron or other material), to ensure adequate visibility for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. See Figure 3-5 (Measurement of Fence Height), page 3-12. |
Residential Zones - Within a 5 foot side or rear yard driveway safety sightline. | 4 feet (2) | The portion of the fence or wall above 30 inches in height shall be of an openwork design (e. g., wrought iron or other material), to ensure adequate visibility for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. See Figure 3-5 (Measurement of Fence Height), page 3-12. |
Residential Zones - Within a required side or rear setback. | 6 feet (3)(4) | A fence or a wall on a side or rear property line that abuts a public street right-of-way shall have a minimum 1 foot landscaped setback. |
All Other Zones - Within the required front setback or street abutting setback area. | 4 feet | None |
All Other Zones - Between a public street right-of-way and parking area. | 4 feet | The Director may approve an openwork (e.g., wrought iron) security fence not to exceed 8 feet in height, subject to conditions of approval deemed reasonable and necessary to protect the public interest, including the design and setback of the fence, and landscaping adjoining the fence. |
All Other Zones - Within 10 feet of the intersection of a driveway and a public sidewalk. | 4 feet | None |
All Other Zones - Along an interior property line that abuts a residential zoning district. | 8 feet | None |
All Other Zones - Along an interior property line that abuts a non-residential use. | 9 feet | None |
Notes:
(1) Ornamental features, including finials, caps or other decorative elements, may exceed the height limitations by six inches above the top of a wall or fence a minimum distance of four feet apart.
(2) A wrought iron or similar decorative openwork fence (minimum 60% openwork) incorporating solid masonry pilasters that are no more than 16 inches thick, and not less than 10 feet apart, shall be considered to provide adequate visibility, and therefore, may meet the four-foot rather than the 30-inch height restriction.
(3) The maximum six-foot height is not applicable to hedges or other landscaping within a required side or rear setback.
(4) See Chapter 17.550 (Variances and Administrative Modifications).
C. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall not exceed six feet in height for any one wall, nor 12 feet for any combination of walls (including required freeboard). Any combination of walls shall be separated by at least three feet horizontally. Retaining walls are permitted in all yards.
D. Measurement of Height. For purposes of this Subsection, a wall or fence that is located within five feet of a public street right-of-way shall be measured from the grade of the abutting public right-of-way, except in cases where severe or unusual slope conditions exist, in which case an alternative basis for measurement may be determined by the Director. The height of a wall or fence located along an interior property line shall be measured from the higher natural or established grade of the two abutting properties.
E. Special Wall and Fencing Requirements.
1. Jacuzzi, spa, swimming pools, and similar features. Jacuzzi, spa, swimming pool, or similar outdoor water features shall be fenced in compliance with the Uniform Building Code.
2. Outdoor equipment, storage, and work areas. Screening of outdoor uses and equipment shall be provided in compliance with § 17.300.035 (Screening).
3. Temporary fencing. Temporary fencing may be approved as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Director.
4. Address numbers. If a fence or wall obstructs the view of a property address from the street right-of-way, the address numbers shall be located on the fence so that they are clearly visible from the street right-of-way.
F. Lighting Fixtures.
1. Along street-facing property line. Decorative lighting fixtures may be placed on top of a fence along a street-facing property line, provided that the fixtures:
a. Are an integral part of the fence design;
b. Extend no more than 16 inches above the maximum height allowed; and
c. Reflect light down and away from adjoining property so that the light emitted does not create a public nuisance or offense, in compliance with other applicable CCMC provisions.
2. Along interior property line. Lighting fixtures may be attached to the side of a fence along an interior property line, provided that they do not project above the top of the fence.
G. Security Fencing. Fences shall not incorporate electrical currents, razor ribbon, barbed wire, and/or pointed, protruding, or sharp objects or elements. Exception: Wrought iron fences may incorporate decorative arrowhead and curved point tips.
H. Administrative Waiver. The Director may administratively approve fences and walls that exceed the maximum heights identified in this Subsection, if at least one of the following circumstances exists:
1. A City-verified nuisance or criminal activity exists on the property or within the nearby area;
2. The property has exceptional or extraordinary geographical circumstances;
3. A residential front setback is located on a designated primary arterial. The fence may be of solid or opaque material, but shall not exceed four feet in height; or
4. The fence or wall is located within a street-abutting setback of a guard-gated residential development, provided that the fence or wall:
a. Has a landscaped setback at least equal in depth, on average, to the height of the fence;
b. Is decorative, made of brick, stone, stucco, painted steel/aluminum, or wrought-iron; and
c. Does not exceed eight feet in height.
(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2021-012 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 2024-006)