(a) Definitions.
(1) “Fence” means any artificially constructed barrier composed of wood, metal, stone, plastic, or other natural and permanent material erected in such a manner and positioned as to enclose or partially enclose or screen any yard or any part thereof, or to provide protection, privacy, boundary, or confinement.
(2) “Ornamental Fencing” means any fence made with decorative material, including wrought-iron, stone, brick, aluminum, wood or vinyl that is spaced board or picket in style to permit visibility.
(b) In all Residential Districts, the following shall apply:
(1) Fences or hedges shall not exceed 42 inches in height in the required front yard and on corner lots.
(2) Fences shall not exceed four feet in height in the required side yard next to the main building and projected to the required front yard.
(3) Fences shall not exceed six feet in height in the rear yard, except adjacent to a side yard where fences shall not exceed four feet in height in the rear yard.
(4) A permit shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector for each fence prior to construction.
(5) Fences shall not exceed three feet in height on unattached decks.
(6) In determining the height of fences as required by this section, the measurement shall be taken from the original/existing ground level of the property of the owner requesting the fence and shall extend to the topmost portion of the fencing material. If the situation involves a split rail fence, the height measurement shall be taken from the original/existing ground level to the uppermost portion of the top rail. If the situation involves ornamental fencing, a permit shall be required if said fencing exceeds 36 inches in height.
(7) Anything attached to a fence or portion thereof, shall become part of the fence and shall adhere to fencing regulations and requirements. All fences and screening shall be free of advertising.
(8) Fences must maintain an adequate safe distance from fire hydrants, as determined by the Fire Chief.
(9) If the fence has a “good side”, the “good side” must face away from the property of the owner.
(10) The following fences are prohibited:
A. A fence consisting in whole or part of coils of barbed wire, concertina or razor wire.
B. A fence with razored edges, broken glass, affixed spikes, projecting nails or other material that may be a hazardous to the public.
(11) All fences shall be properly maintained by the owners of the property on which they are located. Such maintenance shall include painting, cleaning, and structural soundness, so there is no aesthetic detriment or hazard to the surrounding area.
(c) In all other zoning districts, the following shall apply:
(1) Fences or hedges shall not exceed 42 inches in height in the required front yard and on corner lots, unless approval is obtained from the Planning Commission. Fences located in the front yard shall be of an ornamental nature and must use materials such as wrought iron, wood, brick, stone, and similar replications of these materials, such as vinyl fencing that has the appearance of wood. Chain link fences are prohibited in the front yard.
(2) Fences in the required side and rear yard shall not exceed six feet in height.
(3) A permit shall be issued by the Zoning Inspector for each fence prior to construction.
(4) In determining the height of fences as required by this section, the measurement shall be taken from the original/existing ground level of the property of the owner requesting the fence and shall extend to the topmost portion of the fencing material.
(5) Anything attached to a fence or portion thereof, shall become part of the fence and shall adhere to fencing regulations and requirements. All fences and screening shall be free of advertising.
(6) Fences must maintain an adequate safe distance from fire hydrants, as determined by the Fire Chief.
(7) If the fence has a “good side”, the “good side” must face away from the property of the owner.
(8) The following fences are prohibited, unless approval is obtained from the Planning Commission:
A. A fence consisting in whole or part of coils of barbed wire, concertina or razor wire.
B. A fence with razored edges, broken glass, affixed spikes, projecting nails or other material that may be a hazardous to the public.
(9) All fences shall be properly maintained by the owners of the property on which they are located. Such maintenance shall include painting, cleaning, and structural soundness, so there is no aesthetic detriment or hazard to the surrounding area.
(Ord. 2002-45. Passed 8-22-02; Ord. 2007-29. Passed 9-27-07; Ord. 2018-53. Passed 1-24-19.)