(a) Fences defined. For the purpose of this section, a FENCE is herein defined as an enclosed barrier consisting of vegetation, plastic, vinyl, wood, stone, or metal intended to prevent ingress or egress. For the purpose of this section, the term FENCE shall include plantings, such as hedges and shrubbery. No fence shall be constructed of unsightly or dangerous materials which would constitute a nuisance.
(b) Fences categorized. Fences shall be categorized into five classifications.
(1) Boundary fence. A fence placed on or within three feet of the property lines of adjacent properties.
(2) Protective fence. A fence constructed to enclose a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare.
(3) Architectural or aesthetic fence. A fence constructed to enhance the appearance of the structure or the landscape.
(4) Hedge. A row of bushes of small trees planted close together which may form a barrier, enclosure, or boundary.
(5) Picket fence. A fence having a pointed post, stake, pale, or peg laced vertically with the point or sharp part pointing upward to form a part of the fence.
(c) Height of fences regulated. Except for swimming pool fences, a fence or wall may be erected, placed, maintained, or grown along a lot line on residentially zoned property or adjacent thereto pursuant to subsection (d) below to a height not exceeding six feet above the ground level, except that no such fence, wall, hedge, or shrubbery which is located in a required front or corner side yard shall exceed a height of four feet. Where such lot line is adjacent to a non-residential zoned property, there shall be an eight-foot limit on the height of a fence, wall, hedge, or shrubbery along such lot line.
(d) Setback for residential fences. Fences in or adjacent to a residential property may be constructed on lot lines within setback areas.
(e) Security fences. Security fences are permitted on the property lines in all districts except residential districts but shall not exceed ten feet in height and shall be of an open type similar to woven wire or wrought iron fencing.
(f) Prohibited fences. No fence shall be constructed which is of a dangerous type of construction or which conducts electricity or is designed to electrically shock.
(g) Fences to be repaired. All fences shall be maintained and kept safe and in a state of good repair, and the finished side or decorative side of a fence shall face adjoining property.
(h) Temporary fences. Fences erected for the protection of planting or to warn of construction hazard, or for similar purposes, shall be clearly visible or marked with colored streamers or other such warning devices at four foot intervals. Such fences shall comply with the setback requirements set forth in this section. The issuance of a permit shall not be necessary for temporary fences as described herein, but said fences shall not be erected for more than 45 days.
(i) Non-conforming fences and hedges. Any fence or hedge existing on the effective date of this municipal code and not in conformance with this section may be maintained, unless it would violate vision triangle standards, but no alteration, modification, or improvement of said fence shall comply with this section.
(Ord. passed 1-18-2021)