Fences are permitted subject to the following regulations.
(A) Location in front yards. Fences of an ornamental nature may be located in a front yard of any lot of record up to a height of 36 inches; provided, that for corner lots adequate sight distance is provided as described in § 157.049.
(B) Location in other yards. Fences between two properties should be located on the property line or at least six inches inside the property line and the fence owner is responsible for maintaining the property between the fence and the property line. On all lots of record, fences which enclose property and/or are within a required side, or rear yard shall not exceed six feet in height, and shall not extend toward the front of the lot nearer the front of the house or the required front yard, whichever is greater.
(C) Prohibition in right-of way. Fences shall not be erected in public street rights-of-way.
(D) Location/height in industrial districts. Fences in the M Industrial Districts with a maximum height of six feet may be located in any yard, except the front yard provided such fences shall be located on parcels with a principal building containing an approved industrial use, the fence is maintained in good condition and does not constitute an unreasonable hazard or nuisance.
(E) Wood fence standards. Wooden fences shall be a maximum of six feet in height measured from the surrounding grade at every point along the fence line. Wood fences having one finished side shall have the exposed fence posts facing inward with the finished side of the fence facing outward, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Official. There shall not be more than two inches separating the bottom of the face board and the surface of the ground.
(F) Chain link standards. No chain link or wire fence shall hereafter be erected in any required rear or side yard area on any lot of record in excess of six feet in height measured from the surrounding grade at every point along the fence line. Welded wire fences are strictly prohibited, unless utilized in conjunction with an approved fencing operation.
(G) Materials. Ornamental fences are of approved materials, of a design as to be non-sight obscuring and of a fence type listed below:
(1) Post and rail;
(2) Split rail;
(3) Picket;
(4) Wrought iron; or
(5) Other types of ornamental fences must be approved by the Planning Commission and/or Zoning Commission, as required, prior to placement in a front yard area.
(H) Restrictions on electrification. Fences shall not contain electric current or charge of electricity.
(I) Restriction on barbed wire, and the like. Barbed wire, spikes, nails, or any other sharp instruments of any kind are prohibited on top of or on the sides of any fence, except in industrial districts.
(J) Maintenance. All fences shall be maintained in a good condition, in an upright position and shall not constitute an unreasonable hazard. Any fence which is not maintained, as determined by the Zoning Official, shall be removed or replaced (any required fence shall be replaced).
(Ord. 259, passed 10-24-1995; Ord. passed 2-1-2012) Penalty, see § 157.999