(a) Permits. Unless otherwise identified in these regulations, a contractor or owner shall obtain a permit to erect or construct any fence prior to erection or construction of a fence. The property owner shall assume responsibility for determining the legal, proper placement of the fence, wall or hedge upon their property.
(b) Fee. Each application for a permit to erect or construct a fence shall be accompanied by the payment of the fee established in Chapter 1108 of the Planning and Zoning Code.
(c) Permitted Fencing; Height Limits. Fencing may be permitted in any yard and along the edge of any yard not to exceed height limits set forth in the following table and exceptions thereto:
(1) Fence Height Limits and Exceptions.
Area | Front Yard (height in feet) | Front Yard with Side Street Lot Line (height in feet) | Side Yard (height in feet) | Rear Yard (height in feet) |
Residential | 3 | 6 4 | 6 1 | 6 1 |
Commercial | 3 2 | 6 4 | 10 3 | 10 3 |
Industrial | 6 2, 3 | 6 4 | 10 3 | 10 3 |
Public Facilities (parks, playgrounds, etc.) | 8 | 6 4 | 8 3 | 8 3 |
Exceptions: | ||||
1 Fence heights may be increased to eight (8) feet in height if the top two (2) feet are less than fifty percent (50%) opaque and is approved by the Planning Director. | ||||
2 Any fence set back fifty (50) feet or more from the street right of way may be eight (8) feet in height. | ||||
3 Barbed wire not to exceed twelve (12) inches in height may be added to the top of fence. | ||||
4 Fences shall be setback at least fifteen (15) feet from the side street lot line. Fences three (3) feet tall or less may be located on the side street lot line. | ||||
(d) Materials.
(1) No fence, with the exception of fences used for agricultural purposes, shall contain an electric charge.
(2) Barbed wire, razor wire, or any other type of anti-climbing wire shall only be permitted in the industrial district.
(3) Materials used for fences shall be of traditional fencing materials (wrought iron, chain link, pressure treated lumber, cedar, redwood, PVC, etc.) and shall be constructed of weather resistant materials or annually treated so that they are weather resistant and maintained in good condition.
(4) The finished or most decorative side of the fence shall face away from the property erecting the fence.
(5) All latches, hinges and other hardware shall be galvanized or painted so as to prevent or retard rust and degradation.
(e) Maintenance. The fence and the property surrounding both sides of the fence shall be properly maintained at all times.
(f) Specific Fencing Regulations.
Swimming Pool Fences
(1) Permits and Applicability. Public or private in-ground or above ground swimming, wading or other pools capable of containing three feet or more of water depth shall be considered structures for the purpose of permits and fencing requirements.
(2) Fences Required. The owners and/or operators of any swimming pool located within the City shall construct and maintain fences of such type and description that will effectively deny ingress to animals and persons not specifically admitted to such swimming pools by the owner or operator thereof.
(3) Fence Specifications. Fences referred to in subsection (b) hereof shall be constructed so that not more than three (3) inches of open space exists between the bottom of the fencing material and the ground measured vertically and shall have not more than three (3) inches of clear opening in any dimension except for doors or gates. Such fencing shall be not less than four (4) feet in height, and not more than six (6) feet in height.
Exception: Aboveground pools having side walls of four (4) feet or more in height from the finished grade shall be required to have fencing and gates only where access to the pool may be had.
(4) Locks Required. Fences shall be equipped with locks so as to comply with the intent as specified in subsection (b) hereof.
(g) Fences and Shared Driveways.
(1) A fence shall not be installed or constructed on any portion of a shared driveway or restrict access to a shared driveway.
(Ord. 110-17. Passed 7-10-17.)