(A) Scope. This section regulates fences, walls or screens, regardless of location, height, construction, or zoning district, and regardless of use or purpose (whether for visual privacy, physical exclusion or control of people or animals, modification of environmental factors, defining of boundaries or aesthetic reasons).
(B) Definitions.
FENCE. A structure supported entirely or in part by the ground, above grade on both sides, used for any purpose within the scope of this section, and of any construction except concrete or masonry.
RETAINING WALL. A wall of concrete, masonry or other approved construction, above grade on one side, not supporting an additional structure, and retaining earth on the other.
SCREEN. When supported entirely or in part by the ground, a screen is a fence. Screens not projecting beyond the footprint of a primary structure and not supported in part by the ground are not regulated.
WALL. A structure of concrete or masonry, supported by the ground, above grade on both sides, used for any purpose within the scope of this section. A fence of concrete or masonry construction.
(C) Zoning requirements. All of the requirements of § 150.17 shall apply to fences and walls, in addition to the requirements of this section. Fences and walls must be constructed and installed so as to avoid blockage of drainage swales.
(D) OBC and RCO requirements. Fences greater than six feet high are also subject to the structural requirement of the OBC or RCO as appropriate. Fences or walls which form an enclosure protecting a swimming pool are also subject to the requirements of § 154.60(C)(5).
(E) Structural requirements. Fences and walls of any height are required to be of adequate structural strength to be capable of withstanding wind speeds of 90 m.p.h. (nominal Vasd), as well as any other normally imposed loads in accordance with ASCE7.
(1) Fences. Fences constructed of wood, vinyl, metal, or any material other than concrete or masonry are required to be anchored to the ground by posts embedded in concrete in post holes of a minimum diameter and depth sufficient to resist the applicable wind loads.
(2) Walls. All concrete or masonry walls except segmental retaining walls installed per manufacturer's instructions and retaining walls not higher than three feet above grade are required to be reinforced and have footings in accordance with ACI 318 or ACI 530 respectively. All concrete or masonry walls are required to be designed to prevent overturning.
(G) Permit required. A permit is required to install or construct any fence or wall.
(H) Maintenance. The owner of a fence or wall is responsible for maintenance and repair of such fences or walls on his property in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, § 154.62 and Chapter 155 of the FPCO (Housing Standards).
(Ord. 25-2019, passed 8-5-19)