(a) Fence and Wall Height. Table 21.62.040 sets forth the maximum permitted heights for fences and walls in required areas.
Table 21.62.040 Maximum Height for Fences and Walls in Required Yard Areas | |
Location | Maximum Height |
Front yard | 42 inches |
Interior yard and rear yard | 7 feet1, 2 |
Street side yard | 42 inches in the required front yard area and 7 feet behind the front yard setback to the rear of the lot |
Notes:
1. For commercial and industrial development, the designated approving authority may approve a fence or wall up to a maximum height of 10 feet in compliance with location and clear vision requirements of this title.
2. A protective fence enclosing any public property or an open area for games or a swimming pool shall not be subject to the limitations if constructed of wire or steel mesh capable of transmitting at least 90 percent of the light shining onto it.
(b) Measurement of Fence or Wall Height.
(1) For the purposes of this chapter, fence and wall height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the ground elevation or finished grade of the property on which the fence or wall is erected to the highest point of the fence or wall. However, the height of retaining walls shall be measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the retaining wall. To allow for variation in topography, the height of a fence or a wall may vary up to six inches.
(2) Where there is a difference in the ground elevation or finished grade between two adjoining parcels of less than two feet, 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 in the ground level between two adjacent parcels of two feet or more, the height of a fence or wall shall be determined by the community development director. The community development director shall consider the physical and visual fence height impact on abutting properties.
(c) Walls Required Between Different Zoning Districts and Uses.
(1) Along the common boundary between a residential zoning district or use and a commercial or industrial zoning district and/or use, a minimum six-foot-high decorative solid masonry wall shall be constructed to serve as a visual screen and buffer between uses.
(2) Along the common boundary between any single-family zoning district or use and multi-family residential zoning districts and/or uses, a minimum six-foot-high decorative solid masonry wall shall be constructed to serve as a visual screen and buffer between uses.
(Ord. 650, § 9, 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).