Residential fences are permitted or required, subject to the following:
(A) Fences on all lots of record in all residential districts, which enclose property and/or are within a side or rear yard that is not waterfront to either the St. Clair River or the Belle River, shall not exceed 6 feet in height. This height shall be measured from the average established grade to the highest point of the fence. No fence, wall or hedge shall rise over 4 feet in height in front of the house or any yard that is waterfront to the St. Clair River or Belle River, or in the minimum front yard, whichever is greater; the measuring technique employed shall be the same as stated above. In addition, no fence, wall, or hedge shall be located within a public right-of-way, occupy a clear vision zone as established by § 156.05, or interfere with visibility from a driveway. The Zoning Administrator is hereby empowered to cause obstructions to be removed in the interest of public safety.
(B) No obscuring fence or wall shall be located within the front yard or any yard that is waterfront to either the St. Clair River or the Belle River. All chain-link fencing is obscuring. Decorative fencing that does not materially impede vision shall be permitted in a front or waterfront to either the St. Clair River or the Belle River provided it does not exceed a height of 4 feet.
(C) Fences shall consist of at least 1 side of "finished" quality. The term "finished" refers to the covering of raw material so as to protect it from the natural elements; this includes but is not limited to the painting of metal, and the painting or staining of wood. A finished side of the fence shall be exposed to all adjacent properties including the St. Clair River and the Belle River. The finished side shall generally be the side without post exposure or with the least post exposure. The Building Inspector shall determine the "finished" side.
(D) Fences shall not contain barbed wire, pointed or sharp extrusions on the top, electric current, or charge of electricity. All fences shall be constructed of treated wood, plastic, aluminum, or galvanized metal or similar materials as approved by the Building Inspector and/or Zoning Administrator. Temporary fencing such as chicken wire or plastic snow fencing, shall be prohibited as permanent fencing material.
(E) All fences shall comply with the requirements of the applicable building and zoning codes.
(F) All fences shall be maintained so as to not endanger life or property.
(Ord. 2016-02, passed 3-3-2016) Penalty, see § 10.99