A. General Standards.
1. Fences and walls must be constructed of high-quality materials including brick and stone, stucco over concrete masonry blocks, treated wood, wrought iron, composite fencing, PVC vinyl, and other like materials as approved by the Department of Planning and Development.
2. All fence support structure must be located on the inside of the fence covering material.
3. Fences and walls must be maintained; any missing or deteriorated portions of fencing material or wall shall be replaced.
4. The maximum height of a fence or wall shall be eight (8) feet in non-residential zoning districts. Exceptions may be granted for unique uses such as sports venues, or where required for safety of pedestrians or motorists.
5. The maximum height of a fence within required rear and side yards shall be six 6) feet in residential zoning districts and maximum height of a fence within a front yard shall be five (5) feet.
6. Bright colors including orange, yellow and red are not permitted for permanent fences.
7. No fence, wall or berm may encroach into a public right-of-way or inhibit motorist visibility or site triangle. Fences and walls shall not block any required ingress or egress point.
8. Fences, walls and berms may encroach into required yards.
9. Fences, walls and berms are exempt from setback requirements. However, a berm may not be constructed in a manner that any portion of berms slopes extend over the property line.
10. All fences and walls shall be installed with the finished side facing towards the exterior or adjoining properties and rights-of-way.
B. Electric Fences. Electric fences are only permitted in conjunction with agricultural activities in the, RLD, and RMD districts, by right in the GI and HI districts, and by special use permit in the GB district. Electric fences must abide by the following standards:
1. Electric fences must be driven only by a commercial storage battery not to exceed twelve (12) volts DC.
2. All electric fences shall be surrounded by a non-electrical fence of at least six (6) feet in height.
3. Warning signs shall be required on all electric fences and meet all safety and emergency services requirements.
C. Barbed Wire Fences. Barbed wire fencing is only permitted in conjunction with agricultural activities in the, RLD, and RMD districts. Barbed wire may be approved by special use permit in other districts in accordance with the required standards of review in Section 3.4.9: Special Use Permits and if deemed necessary to protect health and safety in association with utility structures, landfills, airports or similar civil uses.
D. Berms. Berms conform to the following standards:
1. Berms In Required Yards. Berms may be located in required yards.
2. Grading of Berms. Berms shall not exceed a grade of one (1) foot of rise in three (3) feet of length.
3. Landscaping. Berms, which may also feature walls as permitted in Section 8.3.4. shall be landscaped and meet all landscape requirements.
4. Height. Berms shall not exceed a total of eight (8) feet above the toe of the berm.
5. Flat Top. Berms shall have a minimum two (2) foot flat top width at the top of the berm height.
6. Drainage. Berms shall not drain onto neighboring yards and cause undue pooling of water. Runoff shall be directed into appropriate drainage easements or facilities.
