(a) Fences, walls and hedges may be located in required yards as follows:
(1) If not exceeding at any point four feet in height above the elevation of the surface of the ground at such point, such features may be located in any front yard.
(2) In any district and if not exceeding at any point six feet in height above the elevation of the surface of the ground at such point, they may be located in any required rear yard or side yard.
(3) Moreover, in any R-District on any corner lot, no fence, wall, or planting shall be erected or maintained within twenty feet of the corner, the point of intersection of right-of-way lines, which interferes with traffic visibility across the corner.
(b) Fences, walls, and hedges are permitted in all Districts, subject to the following conditions:
(1) 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 treated so that they are weather resistant.
(2) The property owner shall assume responsibility for determining the legal, proper placement of the fence, wall or hedge upon their property.
(3) The finished or most decorative side of the fence shall face away from the property erecting the fence.
(4) Maintenance: The fence, wall or hedge and the property surrounding both sides of the fence, wall or hedge shall be properly maintained at all times.
(5) Prohibited fences. Prohibited for use as fences shall be barbed wire, razor or concertina wire, or electrified wire materials.
(c) Location.
(1) Front yard.
A. There shall be no fences erected within the front yard limits. On corner lots, there shall be no fences in the front yard or the side yard facing to a street.
B. Exception. A decorative fence, as described herein, shall be permitted in the front yard or a side yard facing a street subject to the following restrictions:
1. A decorative fence shall be limited to the commonly referred to as split rail, wrought iron, or decorative metal, wood picket fence, chain link or decorative fences with more than 30% open to light and air.
2. Such fences shall not exceed a maximum height of four feet. Fences on the top of retaining walls shall be measured from the grade on the higher side of the wall.
(2) Rear and side yards.
A. Fences in rear yards and in side yards shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet from finished grade.
B. Solid/Privacy Fences- Solid or privacy fences in excess of four-foot-high or more requires the Applicant to obtain a signature from the adjoining property owner or have the property surveyed to ensure proper placement of the fence.
C. Solid/Privacy Fences will be installed with the finished side of the fence facing the adjoining property and all fences presently erected on the same line that the proposed is being installed will be removed.
D. Exception: If the new fence that is being erected is held a minimum of thirty inches from the existing fence for the purpose of yard maintenance.
(d) Commercial Districts. Fences are allowed in Commercial and Business Districts subject to the following requirements:
(1) Fences must be made from durable materials permanently and securely anchored into place. Where applicable type of fence is installed the finish-side shall face abutting properties.
Example: privacy fence, picket fence.
(2) Front yard. Fences in the front yard limits shall not exceed a maximum height of four feet from finished grade. Where a front yard is not required, fences shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet from finished grade.
(3) Rear and side yards. Fences in the rear and side yard limits shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet from finished grade. Where a rear or side yard is not required, fences shall not exceed a maximum height of eight feet.
(4) Fencing of recreational uses. Fencing for tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, driving ranges, and similar outdoor recreational uses may be erected to a maximum height of 15 feet, provided that said fencing above the height of seven feet is open so as not to restrict light or ventilation.
(5) Conditionally permitted fencing. The following type of fencing may be permitted subject to securing a conditional use permit:
Barbed wire fencing, provided that no part of the barbed wire shall be less than six feet above finished grade.
(6) Prohibited fences. Prohibited for use as fences shall be razor or concertina wire or any electrified wire materials, or other fences deemed hazardous to public safety by the Building Official.
(Ord. 2-2018. Passed 1-1-18.)