Fences are permitted in required yards as follows except as otherwise provided in Section 1183.03 for fences on corner lots:
(a) Open Ornamental Fences. An open ornamental fence is permitted in U-1 and U-2 Districts only in a side or rear yard parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height of not more than six feet above the natural grade. When located in a side yard, an open ornamental fence shall be set back at least eight feet from the front building line.
(1) Front yards. Open ornamental fences may be installed in a front yard in the following configurations:
A. A fence, not taller than thirty-six inches, abutting a private sidewalk which extends from the driveway to the front door of the dwelling.
B. A fence, oriented perpendicular to the front line of the lot, which shall comply with the following height limits depending on proximity to the public sidewalk:
In the area 0 to 5 feet from the public sidewalk | None permitted |
5 feet to 20 feet from the public sidewalk | Maximum height 24 inches |
20 feet from the public sidewalk to front or side of dwelling | Maximum height 42 inches |
(2) Side and rear yards. An open ornamental fence may be located in a side or rear yard parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height of not more than six feet above the natural grade. When located in a side yard, an open ornamental fence shall be set back at least eight feet from the front building line.
(b) Chain Link Fences.
(1) A chain link fence is permitted in U-1 and U-2 Districts only in a rear yard of a lot where a dwelling is located, to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height of not more than four feet above the natural grade, provided that on a corner lot, chain link fence shall only be permitted on, or approximately on, the part of the interior side lot line which abuts the rear yard.
(2) A chain link fence may be permitted by the Planning Commission on the grounds of a public or private school or other public or governmental facility for the purposes of securing property boundaries or for separating recreation activity areas from adjacent uses such as residential areas. Chain link fences approved for these purposes shall not exceed six feet in height except where required for such purposes as baseball backstops, tennis courts, and similar uses.
(c) Privacy Fences. A privacy fence is permitted in U-1 and U-2 Districts in a side or rear yard, to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height of not more than six feet above the natural grade. When located in a side yard, a privacy fence shall be set back at least eight feet from the front building line.
(d) Screening of Patios and Decks. A private patio or deck in a U-1 or U-2 District may be screened on one side only with a vinyl or board on board fence erected along the edge not more than six feet high. The side of the patio or deck facing the rear yard may not be screened.
(e) Solid Fences. A solid vinyl fence is permitted in U-1 and U-2 Districts only in a side or rear yard, to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height of not more than six feet above the natural grade. When located in a side yard, a solid vinyl fence shall be set back at least eight feet from the front building line.
(f) Vision-Impairing Hedges.
(1) No hedge or other grouping of objects or plants planted or placed to create a boundary or barrier shall be located in proximity to the public street in a manner which creates a visibility hazard for pedestrians.
(2) Hedges and other objects or plants planted or placed to create a boundary or barrier in a front yard or side yard abutting a public right-of-way shall comply with the following height limits:
In the area 0 to 5 feet from the public sidewalk | None permitted |
5 feet to 20 feet from the public sidewalk | Maximum height 24 inches |
20 feet from the public sidewalk to front or side of dwelling | Maximum height 42 inches |
Trees may be planted at least five feet away from the public sidewalk provided that foliage and branches are removed in the area from the ground to a height of 42 inches to ensure visibility. Fences are not permitted in the front yard or in a side yard which abuts a public right-of-way. | |
(3) Hedges and other objects or plants planted or placed to create a boundary or barrier in an interior side yard or rear yard shall not exceed six feet in height. Trees may be planted in these areas and maintained at a height greater than six feet provided they are not located in a manner which creates a hedge, boundary, or barrier.
(g) Fences Across Driveways. If the location of a fence in the side yard across the driveway would result in the side door or its stairs or steps, or a basement window, being outside of the fenced area, the property owner would be allowed to locate the fence not more than three feet in front of the side door or stairs or steps or basement window.
(Ord. 2016-27. Passed 10-10-16; Ord. 2022-07. Passed 3-14-22.)