(A) Purpose: To ensure that the scale, materials and design of fences and walls blend with the site and building, that the placement of walls and fences respect and do not dominate the existing built or natural environment including the movement of wildlife.
(B) Fencing Standards:
1. Fencing which encloses a property shall be primarily constructed of natural materials, such as log poles or split rails. Free-standing walls may not be faced with any material disallowed for buildings and shall be constructed of materials that are utilized elsewhere on the site, or of natural or decorative materials, rather than constructed with a solid or flat surface. Rock facing on walls shall be applied in a manner that makes the rock appear as a structural element rather than a veneer. Textured, specially formed and sand blasted concrete are suggested wall materials.
2. In the CC, CBD, I and BP zones, fencing is not permitted except as a screen abutting residential properties and when approved by the Administrator to provide security for hazardous materials or operations.
3. The use of plastic or synthetic materials in fencing shall have the appearance or mimic natural materials and colors, and be approved by the Administrator.
4. The use of chain link fencing in any residential zone, CBD and CC zones is prohibited. In all other zones, approval by the Administrator is required.
5. Fences located within twenty feet (20') of a property line facing a public right of way, shall not exceed four feet (4') in height.
6. No fence shall be installed on a dedicated easement in a manner that blocks or inhibits the use of such easement.
7. All other fences in all zones, except in the Industrial (I) zone shall not exceed six feet (6') in height.
(C) Retaining Walls: Walls shall be compatible in form, scale, and materials with the architectural details and materials of nearby buildings, and add, not detract, from the appearance of the site.
1. Visible portions of walls may not be faced with any material disallowed for buildings and shall be constructed of materials that are utilized elsewhere on the site, or of natural or decorative materials, rather than constructed with a solid or flat surface.
2. Rock facing on retaining walls shall be applied in a manner that makes the rock appear as a structural element rather than a veneer. Textured, specially formed and sand blasted concrete are suggested wall materials.
3. Retaining walls over twenty-four inches (24") high may require railings or planting buffers for safety. Low retaining walls may be used for seating if capped with a surface of at least twelve to sixteen inches (12" to 16") wide.
4. Retaining walls in excess of thirty inches (30 in.) in height must adhere to the property setbacks for structures. In residential districts, retaining walls shall be no higher than four feet (4') or terraced with a five foot (5') separation of walls.
5. Retaining walls, where visible to the public shall be no higher than four feet (4') or terraced with a five foot (5') horizontal separation of walls to accommodate landscaping.
6. Multiple retaining walls with terraces between shall be the minimum necessary for reasonable development of the site as determined by the Administrator.
(D) Prohibitions:
1. No fence may be constructed of or include razor wire.
2. No fence may be constructed of barbed wire, or be electrified, except fencing intended for pasture in zones RR, RE, AF and AP.
(E) Permits:
1. All fences and walls are structures and require and a building permit.
2. All retaining walls over four feet (4') may be subject to review by the City Engineer.
3. All fences and walls within the right of way shall require a public works permit.
(F) Any repairs or modification to a fence or wall shall be in compliance with these standards. (Ord. 821, 2-23-2006, eff. 3-16-2006; amd. Ord. 885, 3-24-2011; Ord. 998, 1-14-2021; Ord. 1009, 10-6-2022)