(a) 
Purpose and intent.
The intent of this section is to ensure the screening of non-residential development and service equipment from roadways, open space corridors, and residential properties.
(b) 
General specifications.
(1) 
The requirements set forth herein shall apply to all new development and any existing building or area expansion of over thirty percent (30%).
(2) 
Engineered concrete foundations with piers are required. Spacing, depth, and dimensions of the piers shall be determined by a licensed professional engineer based on the engineering design standards. All walls four (4) feet in height or greater must be designed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in Texas. Record drawings (i.e. “as builts”) certified by a professional engineer shall be submitted to the City of Celina upon completion of construction.
(3) 
No portion of a screening wall shall be used as a retaining wall, unless specifically approved by the director of engineering.
(4) 
Walls shall be equally finished on all sides and constructed in one style using consistent materials.
(5) 
Contractors shall verify the location of all existing utilities prior to excavation and construction.
(6) 
No screening wall or fence shall be erected on public right-of-way or in visibility easements.
(7) 
Constructed with any of the following materials: Surface painted or coated concrete, chainlink, concertina wire, barbed wire, corrugated metal, or fiberglass panels.
(8) 
In no case shall a screening wall be placed parallel and in the immediate vicinity of an existing residential fence causing a close back-to-back fence arrangement or creating a gap between fences. When a residential fence exists at the time of commercial development, the required masonry screening wall shall replace the residential fence, with access easements provided for maintenance for both parties.
(c) 
Height of screening walls.
(1) 
Screening adjacent to rights-of-way = Minimum six (6) feet and maximum eight (8) feet.
(2) 
Screening between incompatible land uses (such as non-residential adjacent to single family) = Minimum eight (8) feet.
(3) 
Screening of loading docks or doors = Minimum six (6) feet.
(4) 
Screening of waste and recycling collection areas, including non-residential polycarts and all other service related equipment = Minimum eight (8) feet.
(5) 
Screening for electric substations, sewer pump stations, or any other freestanding utility facility shall be scaled according to the height, size, scope, and area of the proposed facility, subject to discretionary review and approval by the director, and shall be generally between eight (8) and twelve (12) feet.
(6) 
Screening using living plant materials, either with or without an accompanying metal fence, shall be six (6) feet tall at the time of planting.
(d) 
Materials.
(1) 
Materials allowed by right for screening purposes.
(A) 
Stone, rock, brick, or monolithic concrete panels (see section 14.01.115, other zoning ordinance definitions, for the description of “monolithic concrete panels”).
(2) 
Materials allowed in certain circumstances.
In unique circumstances, the following materials may be utilized for screening purposes, subject to discretionary review and approval by the director, as long as there is no adverse impact on surrounding property, the spirit and intent of this chapter is maintained, and a financial hardship is not the sole justification for the use of the reduced screening standard. The director may require a combination of the following screening options to meet the intent of the ordinance.
(A) 
Decorative iron or wrought iron screening walls with masonry columns.
(B) 
Industrial grade aluminum or steel fencing (e.g. DesignMaster Fencing(R) or comparable product).
(C) 
Living screens that may include earthen berms.
(D) 
Split-face concrete masonry units (CMU).
(E) 
Cedar board-on-board wooden fence with decorative caps and masonry columns.
(3) 
Materials prohibited.
(A) 
Modular, “slide-in” screening walls that are constructed of materials other than masonry or concrete (see section 14.01.115, other zoning ordinance definitions, for the description of “modular screening walls”).
(B) 
Chainlink.
(C) 
Electrified fencing.
(D) 
Barbed wire.
(E) 
Plain wooden fences.
(4) 
Specifications for masonry screening walls are as follows.
(A) 
A decorative masonry column shall be placed at each corner or transition and evenly spaces on each fence facade not to exceed every eighty (80) feet unless otherwise approved by the director and supported by an approved engineering design.
(B) 
Lintels, bottom row soldier courses with concrete mow strip, and a decorative cap are to be applied to all masonry walls.
(C) 
Openings along the bottom of the screening wall shall only be wide enough to allow for proper drainage as determined by the engineering design standards.
(5) 
Specifications for monolithic concrete panel screening walls are as follows.
(A) 
Walls shall have a maximum column spacing of fourteen (14) feet, unless otherwise approved by the director.
(B) 
Panels must be a minimum of four (4) inches in thickness with a decorative pattern and color on both sides and be made of a minimum of 4,000 psi concrete.
(6) 
Specifications for decorative iron, wrought iron commercial fencing, or industrial grade aluminum or steel fencing.
(A) 
Decorative iron or wrought iron screening walls shall have masonry columns to be spaced no greater than thirty (30) feet on center.
(B) 
Industrial grade aluminum or steel fencing may be allowed in certain circumstances, as reviewed and approved by the director.
(7) 
Specifications for living screens.
The property owner/developer, at his sole expense, shall furnish or cause to be furnished, all labor, materials, equipment, accessories, meters, irrigation, and services necessary to maintain or replace all plant materials if and when they become damaged or die.
(8) 
Specifications for wooden fence screening.
(See section 10.04.305 [section 14.04.305], residential fences)[.]
(e) 
Ownership and maintenance.
(1) 
Maintenance easement.
A minimum three (3) foot wide wall maintenance easement (WME) shall be provided at time of platting where screening walls are forecasted or required along the property line.
(2) 
Ownership and maintenance:
Required screening walls shall be owned by the property owner or HOA and shall be maintained in good condition. Any repairs or replacement shall match the existing adjacent sections.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)
(a) 
Perimeter walls required with residential subdivisions.
Subdivision perimeter screening walls must be constructed by the developer with each phase of the subdivision infrastructure adjacent to rights-of-way sixty (60) feet or greater. Perimeter landscaping and irrigation are required.
(b) 
Cul-de-sac adjacency.
If the bulb of the cul-de-sac abuts a collector or arterial roadway, the screening across the landscaped area adjacent to the cul-de-sac bulb may be a living screen in conjunction with an open fence (such as decorative metal or wrought iron) with solid masonry columns in keeping with the associated solid masonry screening perimeter walls required elsewhere along the perimeter.
(c) 
Materials exceptions.
The director may allow the use of wrought iron or decorative metal, not in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the subdivision perimeter wall, in conjunction with berms and landscaping, if deemed appropriate.
(d) 
Perimeter wall extension required.
When a perimeter fence is provided at the outer boundaries of a residential subdivision, the termination of a given side of the fence shall not occur in the middle of the adjacent property, but extend to the property line of the last platted lot that has partial adjacency with the perimeter fence. An easement may be required by separate instrument in order to construct this portion of the wall on the adjacent property.
(e) 
Timing.
The owner or developer of a residential property adjacent to an undeveloped property zoned non-residential or multifamily shall be responsible for and shall build the required masonry wall to provide screening between the two (2) properties at the time of infrastructure development, prior to any vertical development on the site.
(f) 
Individual fences exempt.
Individual single-family lots built in a subdivision without a perimeter wall are exempt from the requirement to install the masonry wall. In lieu, an eight (8) foot high cedar board-on-board wooden fence with a decorative cap (and columns where appropriate) may be utilized.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)
(a) 
Non-residential uses adjacent to single-family zoning districts or uses.
A solid masonry screening wall is required along the adjacency of disparate land uses.
(b) 
Non-residential uses adjacent to other similar non-residential zoning districts or uses.
No screening wall is required.
(c) 
Multiple buildings within a commercial development.
In the case where multiple pad sites or multiple masonry types are used for the buildings’ exteriors within a single development, the screening wall shall use the predominant masonry type for the entire length of the screening wall, subject to approval by the director during the site plan process.
(d) 
Mixed use developments.
With director approval, mixed use developments may be exempt from internal screening between disparate land uses.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)
(a) 
Ground mounted mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment.
(1) 
Exposed conduits, ladders, exhaust valves, utility boxes, and drain spouts shall be a color matching the building, an accent color, or earth-tone color.
(2) 
Outside equipment, coolers, and/or other mechanical items shall be screened with a category A masonry finishing material matching the primary building.
(3) 
All new utilities, including any aerial lines, shall be underground.
(b) 
Roof mounted mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment.
Roof mounted equipment shall be screened from view using parapet walls or as approved by the director.
(c) 
Loading docks, ramps, and spaces.
Loading docks, ramps, structures, and loading spaces shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way, from adjacent residential property, and from adjacent non-residential property, other than industrial.
(1) 
Screening shall be by masonry wing walls matching the color and building materials of the primary structure or freestanding walls with complimentary landscaping to be compatible with the project design.
(2) 
Screening walls shall be of adequate height to screen loading vehicles and the scope of the operation and activity.
(d) 
Waste and recycle collection areas (dumpster screening).
(1) 
Waste disposal collection areas, including non-residential polycarts and all other service related equipment, shall be screened from public view.
(2) 
Trash dumpsters, recycling containers, trash compactors, and other waste receptacles shall be screened with a masonry wall in a color that is consistent with the color of the primary building. Screening enclosures shall be visually and aesthetically compatible with the overall project.
(3) 
Dumpster enclosures shall incorporate on the open, fourth side a solid metal gate (chainlink with slats is prohibited) to visually screen the dumpster or compactor, which shall remain shut at all times other than when being actively accessed.
(4) 
Dumpster enclosures shall be located behind the front building line and the service gate shall not directly face a public street or any residentially zoned property. Where this standard is not feasible, as determined by the director, the standards may be varied.
(5) 
Single dumpster enclosures shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and fourteen (14) feet deep. Pads to accommodate two dumpsters or recycling shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet wide and fourteen (14) feet deep.
(6) 
New commercial development shall provide space for a minimum of two (2) dumpsters screened with masonry enclosures with the extra dumpster being for recycling containers.
(7) 
Dumpster enclosures shall be located to provide a minimum of forty (40) feet of clear backing. However, any area designated for backing shall not exceed eighty (80) feet.
(8) 
Engineered concrete foundations with piers are required for dumpsters, per review and approval by the director of engineering.
(e) 
Utility substations and tower facilities.
For electric substations, sewer pump stations, or any other freestanding utility facility, the above ground mechanical equipment shall be screened to mitigate its negative visual impact and safely secure the site. The screening device shall be scaled accordingly to the height, size, scope, and area of the proposed facility, subject to discretionary review and approval by the director. Generally, masonry screening walls are required with decorative metal in limited application for visibility, ventilation, and access points. Larger facilities shall also provide large evergreen screening trees every twenty (20) feet on center. Concrete vehicle access shall be provided, in addition to associated easements necessary for development. Any associated utilities shall be buried, with the exception of regional transmission lines.
(f) 
Buildings that include bay doors.
(1) 
Materials for the main building shall follow the regulations for commercial structures (section 14.04.109).
(2) 
Bay doors shall not be parallel to or facing any public right-of-way.
(g) 
Open storage.
All allowed open storage of materials, equipment, or commodities shall be screened in accordance with section 14.03.301(8), open storage - permanent or ongoing of the zoning ordinance.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)
(a) 
General requirements.
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or repair a fence not in compliance with the regulations contained herein.
(2) 
All fence construction, alterations, additions, or repair require a permit. Repairs not involving posts or not in excess of fifty percent (50%) of any one run, such as replacing pickets or customary maintenance, may be completed without a permit with materials matching the existing fence. If the cumulative effect of a series of repairs over a twelve (12) month period exceeds fifty percent (50%) of any one run or involves post installation, a permit is required.
(3) 
Permit fees shall apply as shown on the master fee schedule of the city.
(4) 
All fence installers are required to be registered with the city.
(5) 
Adequate plans and specifications, which may include a plot plan showing exact materials, easements, location, height, dimensions from property lines, sidewalks, curbs, and location of gates, as determined by the building official, must accompany a completed application form.
(6) 
Once complete, a final inspection is required and must be scheduled by the installer within five business days of completion.
(7) 
Estate properties greater than one (1) acre in size that front onto a right-of-way of sixty (60) feet or more may install decorative driveway entrances.
(8) 
Valid government related facilities, including sports facilities may build fences or screening walls to industry standard and utilize alternate materials and methods, with director approval.
(b) 
Regulations.
(1) 
Maximum height of residential fences.
Fences shall not be greater than eight (8) feet in height, excluding an allowance for ground clearance and decorative caps.
(2) 
Materials allowed.
No fence material shall be used to construct a fence except for those listed and regulated in this chapter. Generally, residential fences should only be wooden or black tubular steel (powder coated ornamental iron).
(3) 
Materials prohibited.
Barbed wire, electric, and other injurious fence material is prohibited in the city, unless the property is an agricultural district over one (1) acre in size, legitimately needed for agricultural purposes, or otherwise approved by the director.
(4) 
Fences that back or side to other residences.
Fences that back or side to another residence may have either side of the fence face the interior of the lot.
(5) 
Fences located on corner lots.
On all corner lots, fences shall not be closer than fifteen (15) feet from the face of any curb, unless otherwise approved by the director.
(6) 
Fences facing rights-of-way (on back, side, or corners).
All fences erected on side yards of corner lots and reverse corner lots or backing to a right-of-way of shall be cedar, board-on-board, with a decorative cap so that a finished fence side faces the street.
(7) 
Fences located between houses that face the street.
The portion of fence that is parallel to the street and perpendicular to the fence along the side yard must be constructed of cedar, board-on-board, with a decorative cap so that a finished fence side faces the street.
(8) 
Fences in front yards.
Fences and walls are only allowed in front yards up to thirty-six (36) inches in height and must be either: split-rail, wrought iron, picket fence, or decorative masonry wall. Lots over one (1) acre in size are exempt from this regulation, subject to review and approval by the director. All front yard fences should generally be fifty percent (50%) open, except for walls when allowed.
(9) 
Public rights-of way, easements.
No fence shall be erected on public right-of-way or within any drainage easement, unless otherwise authorized by the director.
(10) 
Within property lines.
Fences shall not encroach upon any property line (front, side, or rear).
(11) 
Fences adjacent to scenic views.
All fences installed adjacent to a floodplain, creek, or dedicated open space shall be black tubular steel and a minimum of fifty percent (50%) open.
(c) 
Wooden fence standards.
(1) 
Vertical posts.
All vertical posts shall be galvanized steel with a minimum two and three-eighths (2-3/8) inch diameter, a minimum CS 20 (.095) thickness, and set in a concrete footing.
(2) 
Concrete footings.
Concrete footings shall be a minimum of eight (8) inches in diameter.
(3) 
Spacing of footings.
For fences less than seven (7) feet in height, posts shall be spaced at a maximum of eight (8) feet on center, set in a concrete footing of no less than twenty-four (24) inches deep. For fences that are seven (7) feet or greater in height, posts shall be spaced at a maximum of six (6) feet on center, set in a concrete footing of no less than thirty-six (36) inches deep.
(4) 
Allowed materials and colors.
Residential wood material shall be cedar or white wood, stained a natural brown or earth tone color.
(5) 
Construction.
All materials shall be securely fastened, with vertical boards to horizontal stringers, stringers to vertical posts and top rail, to ensure an ongoing attractive appearance and safe condition, free from rot, rust, vandalism, and other sources of decay.
(6) 
Private residential fence adjacent to a subdivision perimeter wall.
A fence that is parallel to or perpendicular to such wall shall not exceed the height of the adjacent subdivision wall. A fence that is separated from the subdivision screening wall by a public alley or right-of-way is deemed to not be adjacent to the subdivision screening wall. If abutting, the height of the residential fence may transition in height from the height of the subdivision screening wall to the maximum allowable height of the residential fence, provided that the transition is a smooth rate of increase or decrease and does not exceed a span of sixteen (16) feet in length.
(d) 
Required inspections.
(1) 
Footing inspection.
The footing inspection must be completed prior to pouring concrete.
(2) 
Final inspection.
A final inspection is required and must be scheduled within one (1) week (five (5) business days) of completion.
(e) 
Exceptions.
(1) 
Materials.
The use of chainlink, vinyl, split-rail, and composite materials may be allowed, if constructed to manufacturer’s specifications, subject to discretionary review and approval by the director. Otherwise, these materials are generally prohibited. Existing non-conforming chainlink fences may be replaced with similar material.
(2) 
Interior fences.
Defined as fences within the property fence for specific uses, such as dog runs, swimming pool fences, and other similar situations within the interior of a back yard. These interior fences may be constructed of alternate materials, as long as all exterior and shared fence lines are built to compliance with this section and the alternate interior materials are shorter than the exterior fence and not visible to the public, subject to discretionary review and approval by the director.
(3) 
Gate embellishments.
Decorative gate embellishments are allowed; however, they shall not exceed the height of the fence by more than two (2) feet.
(f) 
Maintenance.
(1) 
All fences shall be perpetually maintained, repaired, or replaced by the owner. Fences not required by a city ordinance, screening regulation, or other standard shall be either maintained or removed.
(2) 
It shall be unlawful and subject to citation should a fence display any of the following conditions:
(A) 
Any fence that leans, falls, becomes unstable, or causes damage to other property.
(B) 
Fences that are supported by any means other than the fence post.
(C) 
Missing or loose pickets, broken or missing parts, decayed members.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19)