(a) Fence means an artificially constructed barrier of any approved material or combination of approved materials erected to enclose, screen or separate areas.
(b) Chain link fence means a fence usually made of metal consisting of loops of wire interconnected in a series of jointed links.
(c) Privacy fence means a fence made to inhibit public view and provide seclusion.
(d) Spite fence means a fence of such height or character as to block access of light and air to any ground floor window or upper window or to interfere with the reasonable use of a person’s property.
(e) Swimming pool means a structure, permanent or portable, filled or capable of being filled with water to a depth of twenty-four (24) or more inches at any point therein and used, or designed to be used, for swimming or recreational bathing.
(f) Fences shall not exceed six (6) feet in height except those which enclose athletic fields and courts.
(g) No person shall erect a solid fence in front of a principal building higher than four (4) feet.
(h) The height of a fence shall be measured from the established grade line to the highest point of the fence including posts and finials.
(i) No person shall erect or maintain a barbed wire fence which abuts or is adjacent to any public street, alley or sidewalk.
(j) No person shall erect or maintain any fence charged with electrical current.
(k) No person shall install a spite fence.
(l) A fence may be constructed along or upon common property lines and across any utility easements but may not be located within three (3) feet of a utility box, manhole or other apparatus that may be used for maintenance of the utility. However, a gate and/or removable section of fencing may be placed within this three (3) foot restriction if such gate and/or removable section provides sufficient access to the utility box, manhole or other apparatus. When a fence obstructs access to a utility box, manhole or other public apparatus for maintaining utilities, the owner shall be required to remove and replace such fence at his/her expense without remuneration from the City. This section shall not prohibit the City from removing any fence located in a utility or drainage easement that obstructs a utility box, manhole or other apparatus or obstructs the proper flow of water. Fences placed on drainage easements shall allow for the proper flow of water. Fences that are to be placed on utility or drainage easements shall require prior approval from the City Engineer or designee.
(m) No person or owner of a property shall erect, construct, or allow to remain, any fence constructed of corrugated metal, chicken wire, rabbit wire, rope, string, fabric, razor wire or similar materials subject to deterioration from the effects of weather.
(n) No person or owner of a property shall erect, construct, or allow to remain, any fence, constructed of discarded materials such as shipping crates or pallets; or of tires, stacked tires or automobile parts, or stacked building materials, salvaged garage doors, or similar new or used materials.
(o) Every outdoor swimming pool or family pool shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than four (4) feet in height, which shall be so constructed as not to have openings, holes, or gaps larger than four (4) inches in any dimension, except for doors and gates; and if a picket fence is erected or maintained, the horizontal opening dimension shall not exceed four (4) inches. A dwelling house or accessory building may be used as part of such enclosure. All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device for keeping the gate or door securely closed at all times when not in actual use, except that the door of any dwelling which forms a part of the enclosure need not be so equipped. These requirements shall be applicable to all new swimming pools or family pools hereafter constructed, other than indoor pools and shall apply to all existing pools that are not enclosed which have a depth in any part of the pool that measures twenty-four (24) inches or more. No person or persons in possession of land within the City, either as an owner, purchaser, lessee, tenant or a licensee, upon which is situated a swimming pool or family pool having a depth in any part of the pool that measures twenty-four (24) inches or more shall fail to provide and maintain such a fence or wall as specified herein.
(p) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. 2022-11. Passed 3-14-22.)