The provisions contained in this article shall apply to fences that are constructed and maintained in all zoning districts within the city. If a conflict exists between the provisions of this article or the city’s zoning ordinance, the provisions contained within the city’s zoning ordinance shall take precedent.
(Ordinance 2017-1032 adopted 8/21/17)
No fence shall be constructed or erected over two (2) feet in height unless a permit has been secured therefor from the building official of the city. Application shall be made for such permit on a form to be provided by the building official and a fee tendered for the issuance of such permit. A permit for a fence in a residential district shall be as provided for in the fee schedule found in appendix A of this code. A permit for a fence in a commercial, agricultural, or business zoning district shall be as provided for in the fee schedule found in appendix A of this code.
(Ordinance 2017-1032 adopted 8/21/17)
A person shall not erect or maintain a fence more than eight (8) feet above the natural grade. In residential districts, a fence may not exceed four (4) feet above grade when located in the required front yard, provided that fences in the required front yard shall only be placed along and parallel to the side property line, except on corner lots, on which no fence may be erected on the side property line adjacent to the side street, and further provided that fences within the required front yard must have at least six (6) square inches of openings in any given square foot of surface.
(Ordinance 2017-1032 adopted 8/21/17)
When any fence is completed, it must be inspected. The building inspection department shall be notified upon completion of the fence. The chief building official will issue a card of acceptance if the fence complies with the provisions of this article, or it will be rejected. All fences constructed under the provisions of this article shall be maintained so as to comply with the requirements of this article at all times. Fences shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge of the property in as near as possible the condition of such fence when installed and accepted as provided herein, and shall be maintained as follows:
(1) 
Fencing shall not be constructed of the following prohibited materials.
(A) 
Razor wire;
(B) 
Welded or woven wire such as chicken wire, hog wire, stockade panels and similar agricultural wires;
(C) 
Used materials; or
(D) 
Galvanized sheet metal, corrugated metal, or corrugated fiberglass.
(2) 
Any portion of a fence to lean so that the fence’s axis is more than (20) degrees out of perpendicular alignment with its base.
(3) 
Any and all broken, loose, damaged, insect damaged, removed or missing parts (i.e. gates, slats, posts, wood rails, bricks, panels) of said fence shall be replaced within ten (10) days of receiving notification by regular mail, or notice delivered in person by the code official or his authorized representative. The code official my, upon written notice from the owner that unusual circumstances prevent the timely repair of a fence, extend the replacement time as necessary. Replacement materials shall be new and the same materials, size, shape and quality of the damaged, removed or missing. Nothing herein shall be construed so as to prohibit the complete removal of a fence, unless such fence encloses a swimming pool, spa or is otherwise required.
(4) 
Exterior supports shall not be used as a means of maintaining vertical alignment.
(5) 
Fence sections shall be securely attached by an approved fastening method to support posts. Nails, screws, and other fasteners must be maintained as to not cause a hazard.
(6) 
Symbols, writings and other graffiti on a fence shall be removed immediately, except for those which are permitted as signs under this chapter or which pertain to the address or occupancy of a property.
(Ordinance 2017-1032 adopted 8/21/17)
The zoning board of adjustment of the city shall have the power to grant variances from the height, location, and materials requirements of this section that will not be contrary to the public interest when, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of this article would result in unnecessary property hardship, and so that the spirit of this article will be observed and substantial justice done. The property hardship must be one where a specific parcel of land differs from other parcels of land by being of such a restrictive area, shape, or slope that a fence cannot be erected in a manner commensurate with the development permitted on other parcels of land within the area. A variance may not be granted to relieve a self-created or personal hardship nor for financial reasons only.
(Ordinance 2017-1032 adopted 8/21/17)