(A) Fence requirements. A fence shall be defined as an accessory structure which is a barrier and is used as a boundary, screen, separation, means of privacy, protection, or confinement, and is constructed of wood, plastic (PVC), metal, masonry, or other similar material.
(B) Height limitations.
(1) Residential. No fence or wall may be erected, placed or maintained on any zoned residential lot to a height exceeding 8 feet above the ground level, except that no such fence or wall, which is located in a required front or comer side yard shall exceed a height of 3 feet.
(2) Non-residential. No fence or wall shall be erected, placed or maintained on any non-residential zoned property to a height exceeding 8 feet.
(3) Wire fence. The minimum gauge of wire for a wire mesh fence shall be not less than 11 gauge with a maximum of 3 inch by 3 inch opening. No chicken wire, hog wire, or barbwire fences shall be permitted on any residential zoned lot.
(4) Fence location.
(a) No fence or other structure, nor any plant material, shall be so placed as to obstruct the clear visibility of any intersection.
(b) A side yard adjacent to the public right-of-way shall be considered a corner side yard and shall be regulated as a front yard with a maximum fence height of 3 feet, unless otherwise approved by the Engineering Department.
(5) Prior approval by Engineering Department. All fencing and screening materials must be approved by the Engineering Department and be installed after the proper permit is secured. Items not approved for fencing and screening include but are not limited to any type of metal sheeting, press board, skids, rough lumber and cardboard.
(C) Installation of fences. It shall be the homeowner's responsibility to make sure that any fence installed on his or her property is within his or her property line. A fence can be installed directly on the property line; ensure that fence posts do not encroach on adjacent properties.
(1) The depth of the fence posts should be one-third of the height of the fence. Exception: In comers or supporting gates, the depth in this case shall be to the frost line. Fill should be base gravel with concrete fill 6 inches below grade.
(2) Fences shall not be placed closer than 18 inches from telephone, cable, gas, and pedestals that would interfere with the maintenance for these utilities, if necessary. Fences shall not be placed on storm manholes, catch basins, or pipes. Exception: When an easily removable panel(s) is/are installed above catch basin or manhole.
(3) Homeowners are responsible for locating their pump line if buried in the backyard to avoid damaging it during construction.
(4) Swimming pool fences shall be regulated by the City of Van Wert Building Code.
(5) Written personal notification of any fences or screening in need of repair will be sent to the property owners requiring repairs or removal of the fence or screening.
(D) Building permit required.
(1) Permit fee is $20.
(2) To apply for the building permit, the following shall be submitted to the Building Department:
(a) A completed permit application;
(b) Plat of survey showing the proposed location, type and height of the fence;
(c) Survey property pins are required for inspection.
(E) Inspections required.
(1) The Building Inspector shall inspect all fences prior to installation to verify location and compliance with the City of Van Wert fencing code.
(2) Inspection shall be requested in writing or by telephone to the Building Department at least 24 hours in advance (419) 238-5775.
(F) Contractors registration required.
(1) It shall be unlawful to engage in business in the City of Van Wert as a building contractor without first having obtained a building contractor's registration.
(2) A homeowner is not required to be licensed as a subcontractor or general contractor to construct, demolish, rehabilitate, alter, or repair his or her own fence.
(G) Application to current fences. This section does not apply to fences that are currently in place in the City of Van Wert. However, should your fence become damaged, the replacing of the damaged sections of the fence should be in full compliance with this section.
(1981 Code, § 150.36) (Ord. 6570-93, passed 12-13-1993; Am. Ord. 07-07-066, passed 8-13-2007; Am. Ord. 07-07-067; Am. Ord. 21-02-009, passed 3-22-2021; Am. Ord. 23-11-066, passed 12-18-2023)