No traditional fence, whether a boundary, security or protective fence, shall be erected in the Village until a permit for the same has been granted by the Zoning Administrator under §
385-51 of this chapter. Specifications or a design sketch shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for his or her approval. A permit fee, as required under Chapter
110, Building Construction, Article
I, of the Village Code, shall accompany the application for permit.
Fences (whether traditional or decorative) and natural barriers
in residential zoning districts (single-family, two-family and/or
multiple-family) shall be erected or planted in accordance with the
following requirements:
A. General provisions for traditional fences, decorative fences and
natural barriers.
(1) Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
DECORATIVE FENCE
Includes a barrier made of natural materials such as wood,
stone or permanent rigid vinyl fencing which is principally for decoration
rather than to enclose property. Decorative fences are at least 50%
open from a straight-on view. Decorative fences shall not exceed 42
inches in height as measured from the ground.
NATURAL BARRIER
Includes hedges, shrubbery and trees. Decorative plants such
as hosta, petunias, and others are not "natural barriers."
(2) No fencing (traditional fences or decorative fences) shall be constructed
less than six inches from the property line. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
no fencing shall be constructed any closer than 48 inches from any
structures on adjacent, residential property.
(3) No natural barrier shall be planted less than 18 inches from the
property line.
(4) No fencing or natural barriers shall be allowed in the right-of-way
or easement.
(5) No fencing or natural barriers shall be erected or planted on any
corner lot less than two feet from the street right-of-way line or
in a location where it unreasonably restricts sight-line vision, as
determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(6) Building permits are required for traditional fences. Building permits
are not required for decorative fences or natural barriers.
B. Special requirements for traditional fences.
(1) Fences in rear yards and side yards up to the front building setback
lines (excluding street yards) shall not exceed six feet in height
as measured from the ground.
(2) Fences on side yards that extend beyond the front building setback
lines shall be no higher than 42 inches as measured from the ground,
and shall not extend beyond the setback required for front yard fences.
(3) Fences in front yards shall be no higher than 42 inches as measured
from the ground, and shall be set back 12 feet from the edge of the
curb or asphalt, whichever is greater. Wire, chain link, cyclone-type
fencing and similar materials are prohibited.
C. Miscellaneous exceptions.
(1) The general restrictions on fencing shall not apply to temporary
fences, except as set forth herein. Fences erected for the temporary
protection of plantings, to warn of construction hazards or for similar
purposes, shall be clearly visible or marked with colored streamers
or other such warning devices at four-foot intervals. Temporary fences
shall comply with the setback requirements set forth in this section.
Temporary fences shall not remain erected for more than 45 days, unless
a special exception has been obtained from the Zoning Administrator.
(2) The general restrictions on fencing shall not apply to snow fencing,
which shall be permitted during the snow emergency/parking period
which extends from November 15 to April 15.
All requirements of §
385-33 of this chapter shall apply to commercial and industrial zoning districts, except that the Village Board may, by resolution, grant a conditional use permit for security or privacy fences which exceed six feet in height but not more than eight feet in height.
Barbed wire and electrical fencing are allowed in A-1 zoning
districts.
All fences and natural barriers shall be maintained and kept
safe and in a state of good repair. The finished side or decorative
side of a fence shall face adjoining property.
All valid, nonconforming fences existing on the effective date
of this chapter (May 8, 1991), or any amendment of this chapter, may
be maintained, but any alteration, modification or improvement of
such fence shall comply with this chapter.