This division is intended to guide the construction of fences and walls within the city in any of the zoning districts provided that the fencing complies with the requirements of this code as to location, height, and composition.
(Ordinance 1494 adopted 2/22/11)
In all cases, fences and walls must meet the following:
A. 
Location and Height
1. 
Fences generally may be constructed along the front, rear and side property lines, if located entirely on private property and not in excess of the maximum height allowed.
2. 
Fences must not be designed or constructed so as to interfere with traffic site visibility. Fences determined to cause immediate danger may be removed by the city.
3. 
Fences located in the front yard, along the property line and/or the side property line(s), to a depth less or equal to the front yard setback, are restricted to a maximum height of four feet in residentially zoned districts and eight feet in commercial, industrial and other nonresidential districts. Fences within the front yard along the property line in residentially zoned districts shall have a minimum opening of four inches or may be chain link.
4. 
Fences located in the rear or side years [yards], along the rear property line or the side property line(s) at a depth less or equal to the required front yard setback, are restricted to a maximum height of eight feet in residentially zoned districts and fifteen feet in commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential districts.
5. 
There are certain circumstances, however, whereby the maximum height of a fence erected in the designated front and side yards of a lot which is zoned residential may exceed the four-foot maximum height limitation. In these circumstances, all fencing or walls must not interfere with traffic site visibility or public safety.
B. 
Fence Materials
1. 
Composition of fences is restricted to materials commonly used in fence construction, including wood, wire, brick, stone, pipe, concrete, or materials approved by the Director of Planning.
2. 
Fences composed of tires, bumpers or other new or used materials, not commonly used in fence construction, are prohibited in all zoning districts.
3. 
The use of barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, or similar materials is prohibited in all zoning districts with the exception of used [uses] in the LM and HM districts and in any district where federal law requires facilities to install such fencing.
The Director of Planning may grant a property owner permission to use such fencing materials on a limited basis and in areas where there will be little or no visibility from the public right-of-way.
4. 
Electric fences are prohibited in all zoning districts.
C. 
Exceptions to Fence Height
1. 
The Director of Planning may grant a property owner permission to exceed the maximum height limitation when there are circumstances whereby the maximum allowed height of a fence erected does not provide sufficient safety or privacy.
(Ordinance 1494 adopted 2/22/11)