The following regulations and standards apply to all fences within the City:
A. Building Permit Required: Prior to construction of any fence, the owner shall obtain a building permit from the City.
B. Materials And Maintenance:
1. Allowed Materials: Fences are to be constructed of customarily used materials such as chainlink, welded wire mesh, wrought iron, aluminum, wood, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other similar materials, unless otherwise specified in this Code. Wood fences should be constructed of treated lumber, cedar, redwood or similar types of wood that are resistant to decay. Determination of material acceptability shall be made by the City. (2004 Code)
2. Prohibited Materials: A fence shall not be designed to cause pain or injury to humans or animals. Therefore, the use of spikes, broken glass, barbed wire, razor wire, nails, electrical charge or other similar materials shall be prohibited. The use of such materials as corrugated or sheet metal, chicken wire, woven wire, electric fence, temporary construction fencing, snow fencing or similar materials shall not be permitted for permanent fencing unless approved by the City Council. (2004 Code; amd. Ord. 18-3, 11-12-2018)
3. Construction And Maintenance: All fences shall be constructed in a sound and sturdy manner and shall be maintained in a good state of repair, including the replacement of defective parts, painting and other acts required for maintenance. After ten (10) days' notice to the owner of the fence, the Mayor may order the removal of any fence that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, and the cost thereof shall be assessed against the property where said fence is located. An extension of time may be granted upon the filing of a verified statement that the delay is not a result of any act of the owner.
C. Fence Regulations:
1. Height Restrictions: Unless otherwise specified herein, fences not exceeding six feet (6') in height are allowed within the limits of side and rear yards. A fence, not exceeding four feet (4') in height, is allowed up to the front property line provided the visual clearance at any intersection or on any public way is maintained.
2. Decorative Features: Decorative features, such as individual posts, trellises, brick or stone columns and similar features constructed as part of a fence, shall be allowed to exceed the maximum fence height by no more than twelve inches (12"). Pedestrian entry features which only include arbors, arched entries, arcades or finials may exceed the maximum allowable fence height in any yard subject to design review and approval by the City.
D. Corner And Double Frontage Lots: On corner lots and double frontage lots, fences not more than six feet (6') in height may be placed in a required front yard abutting a street where all the following are met:
1. The required front yard abutting the street is used as a side yard and not as a front yard.
2. The fence maintains a minimum setback from the ultimate right-of-way of fifteen feet (15').
3. The vision clearance area is maintained.
4. All other requirements of this section are met.
E. Temporary Fences: Temporary construction fences, barricades, railings or other similar fences installed to provide temporary site security and/or safety in conjunction with construction work may be allowed during periods of construction. Such temporary fences shall be removed upon completion of the construction work. (2004 Code)