A. General. For the purposes of this Chapter 10.28, fence, hedge, and wall height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the ground elevation or finished grade of the property on which the fence, hedge, or wall is erected or planted to the highest point of the fence, hedge, or wall. To allow for variation in topography on a parcel, the height of a fence, hedge, or a wall may vary up to six inches.
B. Difference in Grade Height between Two Parcels. 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 (see Figure 3-6). 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 Director. The Director shall consider the physical and visual height impact on abutting properties.
C. Retaining Wall Heights. Where there is a necessary retaining wall for a lot that is above a sidewalk or top of curb grade, additional wall height may be allowed, subject to all of the following criteria.
1. Retaining Walls in Front Yard Setback. A retaining wall within the required front yard setback shall not exceed 42 inches in height, provided:
a. Fences on top of retaining walls may not exceed 42 inches in height, and such fence shall be open and non-view obscuring, consistent with 10.28.070 (Open and Non-View Obscuring Fences).
b. A solid wall or fence may be located on top of a retaining wall, provided that the combined height of the fence and retaining wall does not exceed 42 inches in height.
2. Retaining Walls in Rear and Side Yard Setback. A retaining wall within the required rear or side yard setback shall not exceed seven feet, provided:
a. A seven-foot high fence that is open and non-view obscuring may be located on top of the retaining wall.
b. A solid wall or fence may be located on top of a retaining wall, provided that the combined height of the fence and retaining wall does not exceed seven feet in height, as measured from the finished grade.
3. Retaining Wall along Side Street. A retaining wall within the side street yard shall not exceed six feet in height, provided:
a. Fences on top of retaining walls may not exceed seven feet in height, and such fence shall be open and non-view obscuring, consistent with 10.28.070 (Open and Non-View Obscuring Fences).
b. A solid wall or fence may be located on a retaining wall, provided that the combined height of the wall and additional wall or fence does not exceed seven feet in height, as measured from finished grade.
4. Additional Retaining Wall. An additional solid wall or fence may be constructed above a 42-inch retaining wall in the front yard setback area and seven-foot high retaining wall in the rear and side yard setback area, provided that a minimum separation of two feet is provided between the retaining wall and the additional solid wall or fence, and the area between the walls is landscaped. (Ord. 935 § 3 (part), 2015)