As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Backyard enclosure fence.” A fence that encloses part of or the entire rear yard and/or the side yard(s) of the subject property that may follow property boundaries (i.e. lot lines).
(b) “Barbed wire fence.” A fence, or portion of a fence, made with two or more wires twisted together with sharp hooks or points (or a single wire furnished with barbs).
(c) “Board-on-board fence.” See “shadowbox fence.”
(d) “Boundary line fence.” A fence erected along the boundary line of any lot, which encloses or partially encloses a parcel of property.
(e) “Building envelope.” A term exclusively used in Rural Residential Districts as defined in Figure 7 following the text of Chapter1273 of the Planning and Zoning Pamphlet.
(f) “Building envelope enclosure fence.” A term exclusively used in Rural Residential Districts. A fence that encloses part of or the rear yard and/or the side yard(s) of the subject property falling entirely within the building envelope enclosure.
(g) “Chain link fence.” A fence, usually made of heavy steel wire fabric (usually coated with zinc, or the like) which is interwoven in such a way as to provide a continuous mesh without ties or knots, except at the salvage; the wire fabric is held in place by metal posts. Vinyl slates woven into the wire mesh are permitted providing the colors are monochromatic and not obtrusive (i.e.: neutral or earth tones).
(h) “Chicken wire fence.” A fence constructed of light-weight, galvanized wire netting having a hexagonal mesh.
(i) “Concertina wire fence” (also known as razor wire or razor ribbon). A fence or wall topped with wire or metal strips having razor sharp edges or projections, placed in coils as a barrier along the tops of fences or walls.
(j) “Dumpster enclosure fence.” A privacy fence consisting of materials constructed to inhibit light, ventilation and sight through said fence. Such enclosure shall include a double gate for purposes of vehicle access, in addition to a separate side hinged personnel (man) door.
(k) “Electrified fence.” A fence charged with an electrical current.
(l) “Fence.” Any artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials, living or otherwise, erected to enclose, screen or divide areas of land, yards or gardens.
(m) “Latticework fence.” A fence constructed of reticulated or net-like work formed by the crossing of laths or narrow, thin strips of wood or iron, in a diagonal pattern.
(n) “Living fence.” A natural plant species which has been planted to form a continuous barrier to prevent passage, for protection or screening.
(o) “Open ornamental fence.” A fence, with a maximum height of thirty-six inches (such as a rail, split rail or white picket fence), that is constructed for its beauty or decorative effect and, when viewed at right angles, has not less than fifty percent (50%) of the surface area of its vertical plane (the area within a rectangular outline enclosing all parts of the fence in its vertical plane) open to light and air.
(p) “Ornamental metal fence.” A metal (aluminum, steel, iron, etc.) fence, with a maximum height of seventy-two inches that is constructed for its beauty or decorative effect having vertical pickets with a space no less than three inches and not more than four inches between the vertical elements.
(q) “Patio privacy fence.” A fence that is used to enclose a patio, deck, hot tub, or pool with a maximum height of six feet from the existing finished grade line, patio, or finished deck and erected entirely behind the rear wall line of the residence with no part within fifteen feet of any side yard line.
(r) “Permanent fence.” A fence structure or any part thereof, as defined in this chapter and having support elements buried into the surrounding grade to the required footing depths and secured with concrete.
(s) “Permitted fence.” A fence type that is permitted within a given zoning classification. May be subject to additional requirements and/or restrictions specific to that district.
(t) “Picket fence.” A fence, with pickets that have points at the center of the top of the picket. The maximum size of each picket shall be seven-eighths inches thick by three and one-half inches wide by thirty-six inches high above existing natural finished grade line. Minimum picket spacing shall be equal to the picket width. The rails shall be a maximum of one and one-half inches thick by three and one-half inches wide. Posts shall be a maximum of four inches thick by four inches wide by thirty-four inches high.
(u) “Privacy fence.” A fence structure, or any part thereof, consisting of materials constructed to inhibit light, ventilation and sight through said fence. This definition shall not include a “living fence.”
(v) “Rail fence.” A fence in which the rails are set into the posts and adjoining rails either butt against each other or overlap. Maximum rail height shall be 36 inches above existing natural finished grade.
(w) “Rear yard.” As defined in Section 1260.07(m) of the Planning and Zoning Pamphlet and Illustration B: Lot Terms.
(x) “Restricted fence.” A fence type that is permitted within a given zoning classification but may have additional limitations and/or requirements specific to that district.
(y) “Shadowbox fence.” (also known as a board-on-board fence). A fence constructed of three-quarter inch thick by a maximum five and one-half inches wide by a maximum of six feet high (from existing finished grade) vertical boards that are attached to both sides of horizontal rails. Minimum board spacing shall be equal to the board width on both sides of the horizontal rails. The rails shall be a maximum one and one-half inches thick by three and one-half inches wide. Posts shall be a maximum of four inches thick by four inches wide.
(z) “Side yard(s).” As defined in Section 1260.07(m) of the Planning and Zoning Pamphlet and Illustration B: Lot Terms.
(aa) “Silt fence.” A fence used to control site soil erosion, sediment, and other wastes during construction. Installation shall be in compliance with Chapter 1488, the City of North Royalton Engineering Department and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
(bb) “Similar fences.” The Building Commissioner and/or a board or commission as further required by this code may classify other fences, which are similar in character and design to one or more of the fences described in this chapter.
(cc) “Snow fence.” A temporary seasonal fence which has slats less than four inches in width, wired together and set perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing winds to catch drifting snow, or thin preformed plastic or vinyl mesh material secured to metal posts.
(dd) “Split rail fence.” A fence with a maximum of two horizontal rails, with a maximum size of three inches by three inches, that are set into posts that are a maximum of five inches by five inches. Maximum rail height shall be thirty-six inches above existing natural finished grade line.
(ee) “Stockade fence.” A fence used primarily for security and privacy, made of cedar or pine wood vertical members with no spaces between. The vertical framing is usually one inch by four inches nominal size with a decorative top. The rails and posts are similar to a picket fence.
(ff) “Stone fence.” A solid stone, brick, or masonry fence used for screening, privacy or retaining a change in grade. A solid stone fence must be designed and drawings submitted to the Building Commissioner for review and approval. Maximum height of thirty-six inches above existing natural finished grade line. Minimum width of wall to be twelve inches.
(gg) “Swimming pool fence.” See Section 1482.06.
(hh) “Temporary fence.” A fence structure or any part thereof, intended to be erected on a seasonal basis or for a limited period of time as a method of protecting a site (i.e.: snow fences, construction fences, silt fences).
(ii) “Utility fence.” Commercial fence enclosing athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, public pools or the like of an unspecified height above existing grade.
(jj) “Well fence.” A fence regulated by the State of Ohio to enclose an oil or gas well. Subject to landscaping approved by the Building Commissioner.
(Ord. 15-11. Passed 1-20-15.)