(A) Purpose. This subchapter is intended to regulate safety, security and privacy of properties while maintaining visual harmony within neighborhoods.
(B) Applicability. This subchapter shall regulate the location, height and appearance of fences, walls, and hedges within all zoning districts.
(C) General standards.
(1) Residential.
(a) No fence, wall, or hedge shall be erected or maintained along or adjacent to a lot line on residentially zoned property to a height exceeding six feet in any yard; except that where the lot line is adjacent to nonresidential use, there shall be an eight-foot limit on the height of a fence, wall, or hedge along the lot line. Height shall be measured from grade.
(b) The finished side of the fence shall face the abutting property, adjacent property or the street, when feasible. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to provide evidence as to why the finished side cannot face the abutting property, adjacent property or the street. Such cases shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee as part of the building permit process.
(c) Fences and walls shall comply with § 150.55 of the City of Pembroke Pines Code of Ordinances when applicable.
(d) A fence, wall, or hedge shall not encroach into the front yard setback, except as provided herein.
1. A fence may be installed in the front yard setback for corner residential lots where the primary entrance to the residential structure is located on the street side yard as defined herein. The decision to permit the installation of the fence in the front yard setback of the corner residential lot is at the discretion of the Planning and Economic Developmental Department Director or designee.
2. A fence may be installed within the front yard setback of the R-MH District, subject to the following regulations:
A. The fence shall not exceed three feet in height.
B. Such fence must be constructed of decorative aluminum or wood and shall be no more than 50% opaque. No chicken wire or any wire-type fence shall be permitted.
(e) In any residential district, no fence, wall, or hedge shall be erected, constructed, maintained, or grown to a height exceeding two feet above the street grade nearest thereto, within the front setback or within 25 feet of the intersection of any street lines or of the street lines produced.
(f) At no time shall the line of sight be obstructed.
(g) Ground covers, shrubs and hedges shall not exceed two feet in height when located within the swale.
(h) No barbed wire or barbed wire-topped fences may be erected, placed, or maintained on any residentially zoned or residentially used property, other than R-E or A zoning districts.
(2) Nonresidential.
(a) Fences, walls or hedges may exceed past six feet in height when utilized to screen mechanical equipment or to enclose sport courts as defined in § 155.637. The allowable height shall be determined by the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee.
(b) The finished side of the fence shall face the abutting property, adjacent property or the street, when feasible. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to provide evidence as to why the finished side cannot face the abutting property, adjacent property or the street. Such cases shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Economic Development Department Director or designee as part of the building permit process
(c) At no time shall the line of sight for vehicle traffic as established applicable engineering standards be obstructed.
(d) Ground covers, shrubs and hedges shall not exceed 30 inches in height when located within the swale or interior landscaped areas.
(e) No barbed wire or barbed wire-topped fences may be erected, placed, or maintained on any community facility, recreation, or commercial zoning districts.
(f) Barbed wire or barbed wire-topped fences may be permitted in the industrial zoned districts through the development review process.
(D) Prohibitions. Fences, walls, or hedges shall not obstruct fire hydrants, water valves, water meters, sewer clean-outs and/or otherwise precludes any utility maintenance to be performed by the city.
(E) Maintenance.
(1) The continued maintenance of any fence, wall, or hedge within the city shall be the responsibility of the owner or other person responsible for the property upon which such fence, wall, or hedge lies.
(2) Fences, walls, and hedges shall always be maintained in a condition that will ensure safety, functional use, and a proper aesthetic appearance. Such maintenance shall include but not be limited to painting, pressure washing, pruning or repairing. (Ord. 2021-02, adopted 3-17-21; sought to be reconsidered, Commission passed 4-21-2021; Am. Ord. 2022, passed 6-18-24)
LANDSCAPING