The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
FENCE, AGRICULTURAL
A fence erected for the primary purpose of providing enclosure
for agricultural animals or fields in any agricultural zoning district.
An agricultural fence may be constructed of fieldstone, wood or wire
and may be electric or may incorporate barbed wire, depending on terrain,
location and animals to be confined.
FENCE, OPEN
A structure of rails, planks, stakes, strung wire, or similar
material erected as an enclosure, barrier, or boundary. Open fences
are those with more than 50% of their surface area open for free passage
of light and air. Examples of such fences include chain-link, picket,
and rail fences.
FENCE, ORNAMENTAL
A structure whose only purpose is to decorate, accent, or
frame a feature of the landscape. Ornamental fences are often used
to identify a lot corner or lot line; or frame a driveway, walkway,
or planting bed. Ornamental fences are those with more than 50% of
their surface area open for free passage of light and air. Ornamental
fences are often of the picket, rail, or wrought-iron type.
FENCE, SECURITY
A structure of rails, planks, stakes, strung wire, or similar
material erected as an enclosure, barrier, or boundary. A security
fence is erected for the purpose of preventing entry to a property
by unauthorized persons and protecting equipment, materials, or products
contained within the enclosure. A security fence may also be erected
to screen equipment, materials, or products from unauthorized view.
FENCE, SOLID
A structure of rails, planks, stakes, strung wire, or similar
material erected as an enclosure barrier or boundary. Solid fences
are those with 50% or less of their surface area open for free passage
of light and air and designed to conceal from view the activities
conducted behind them. Examples of such fences are stockade, board-on-board,
board-and-batten, basket-weave, and louvered fences.
FENCE
A structure forming an enclosure, barrier or boundary between
properties, between a property and a street or an alley, or between
portions of a property or properties, and includes a wall or latticework
screen.
HEDGE
Vegetation forming a barrier, enclosure or boundary.
Fences shall be constructed in such a manner that the "finished"
side shall face the neighboring property. Fence posts shall be on
the side of the fence facing the permit applicant's property. No fence
shall be constructed to have sharp or pointed pickets dangerous to
life or limb.
A fence authorized by a fence permit shall be fully installed
in accordance with this chapter and permit conditions, within 180
days of the date of permit issuance. A fence permit shall expire 180
days after the date of issuance. After a fence permit expires, no
work requiring such a permit shall be commenced, resumed, or undertaken
until a new permit is issued or the original permit is extended. The
permit applicant may file a written request for an extension of the
fence permit stating the reason for the request, for up to 180 additional
days to complete the fence installation. The Zoning Administrator
shall grant the request if good cause is shown
Fences shall be kept and maintained in good, sound, and presentable
condition at all times. Fences not so maintained that become an eyesore
or otherwise adversely affect property values in the neighborhood
shall be removed upon order of the Zoning Administrator. The order
shall provide 30 days minimum for such removal. Such orders shall
be appealable to the Town Board of Appeals.
Any fence proposal at variance with the standards set forth in this article may, upon application, be considered by the Board of Appeals using the procedure and standards for the consideration of variances set forth in §
360-28 of this chapter.
All fences constructed or maintained in violation of any of
the provisions of this article are hereby declared public nuisances
within the meaning of this Code. The Zoning Administrator may bring
an action to abate the nuisance in the manner set forth in the Wisconsin
State Statutes.