(A) Fences may be built on property lines.
(B) Fences in the front yard area must be at least 50% open and no taller than four feet tall.
(C) Fences in the side or rear yards may be closed-type fencing and may be no taller than seven feet tall.
(D) Barbed wire fences shall be permitted only for livestock and other agricultural uses or atop security fences in commercial and industrial zones. Under no circumstances shall concertina wire be permitted.
(E) Electric fences shall be permitted only for livestock enclosures and shall not carry a charge greater than 25 milliamperes nor a pulsating current longer than one-tenth second in a one second cycle. All electric fences shall carry the seal of approval of an approved testing laboratory.
(F) No closed fences shall be permitted in the required front yard of any commercial zoning district.
(G) Security fences shall be permitted in the required front yard of industrial or commercial zoning districts or for local utility infrastructure in any zoning district; provided that, they do not encroach upon any required traffic visibility zone which must be approved by the Newton Public Works Department. Security fences shall be defined as a type of fencing that is no taller than seven feet in total height that incorporates additional features such as barbed wire, alarm systems, camera systems, and/or motion sensors for the purpose of providing enhanced protection for assets inside the fenced area. Allowable materials include timber, welded wire mesh, metal railings, and chain link fencing.
(H) No closed fences shall be permitted within existing storm sewer and drainage easements.
(I) Fences within existing drainage easements must be an open-style to allow for proper surface drainage. Any installation of fencing within an existing easement is completed at the owners own risk and may be removed for access and/or maintenance work.
(J) All proposed fences in the city shall obtain a fence permit from the Community Development Department before construction may begin.
(2011 Code, § 34.0303) (Ord. 2378, passed 7-20-2020; Ord. 2435, passed 8-21-2023)