As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A structure partially or completely surrounding a part of
or the whole of a zoning lot which is intended to prevent intrusion
from without and straying from within the area controlled, but not
including a hedge or other natural growth.
A fence constructed for the purpose of providing a physical
barrier for commercial or industrial material or property. These fences
shall be of chain link construction and may have barbwire placed on
top of the fence. Arms or extensions which project from such fences
shall not project over adjacent properties.
A fence constructed specifically for the purpose of creating
a visual/sound barrier between commercial and residential properties.
These fences shall be of the visual screening type and shall have
a minimum of six feet and a maximum height of eight feet.
The vertical dimension measured upward from the surface of
the ground at the proposed location of the fence or upward from the
finished ground level on the higher side, where there is a necessary
retaining wall required for purposes other than creating a false grade.
A fence, including any gate-inset fence, which permits direct
vision through at least 90% of any one-square-foot segment of vertical
fence surface area; for example, a chain link or woven wire fence
without slats.
A substantially built fence, including any gate-inset fence,
not less than four feet in height above grade which may be required
as an enclosure for an attractive nuisance or other potential hazard
to children; for example, a swimming pool. Such a fence may be either
solid or other substantial construction consisting of vertical structural
members with clear openings between each not exceeding four inches
and with horizontal rails or supporting members no closer together
than three feet. Chain link or woven wire fencing materials, with
or without slats, may also be utilized, provided that they meet other
requirements contained herein. Gates in such a fence shall be self-closing
and self-latching, with a latch and lock not less sufficient to prevent
access by uninvited persons. In no case shall a fence of this classification
include design features that would facilitate its ascent or permit
passage of a child's body, as determined by the Community Development
Department.
A solid and substantially built fence not less than eight
feet in height above grade which shall be placed between any pedestrianway
and a site containing any hazardous condition.
A fence constructed of solid material, wood or masonry through
which no visual images may be seen. Openings in such a fence shall
not exceed 2% of any one-square-foot segment of vertical fence surface
area more than eight inches above grade.
A fence whose vertical surface is covered by a solid or opaque
material through which no complete visual images may be seen. Openings
in such fence shall not exceed 20% of any one square foot of vertical
fence surface area which is more than eight inches above grade, nor
shall any opening exceed 1/2 inch in width. Woven wire or chain link
fences containing slats shall not be classified as visual screening
fences of a permanent nature but may be permitted upon specific approval
of the Community Development Department where such a fence is for
temporary duration (duration of three years or less) purposes only.
Open fences (over ninety-percent open) may be constructed
to a height not to exceed 10 feet for the uses listed below. Such
fences shall conform to all setback requirements for structures in
all districts. Recreational fences include:
A.
It is hereby found and determined that the public
safety and convenience and the protection of public and private property
require regulation of the installation, construction and placement
of fences on private property.
B.
All fences shall be maintained and kept safe and in
a state of good repair, and the finished side or decorative side of
a fence shall face adjoining property.
No person shall erect upon any private property
in the city any fence or structure in the nature of a fence without
first obtaining a permit from the Community Development Department.
Application for a fence permit shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department upon forms prescribed by said department, along
with a plot plan detailing the location on the property of all buildings
and proposed fences, either drawn to scale or having dimensions clearly
shown. A fee shall be charged for each permit as set forth in the
fee schedule adopted as part of the annual budget document.
A.
General conditions. Fences must be sturdily constructed
so as to support wind loads. They shall not block emergency access
from doors or windows. They shall have a clearance of at least two
feet from building walls, except where fences project from or to a
building wall. Where fences are close to alleys and sidewalks, self-closing
gates may swing open onto sidewalks and alleys. Fences shall not be
fire hazards.
B.
Fire hazard. The Community Development Department
shall not grant a permit for the erection of any fence which constitutes
a fire hazard, either of itself or in connection with the existing
structures in the vicinity, or which will interfere with access in
case of a fire by the Fire Department to buildings in the vicinity
or which will constitute a hazard to street traffic or pedestrians.
C.
Barbwire fencing. Barbwire fences may be constructed
only to enclose bona fide pastures where cattle or other livestock
are kept or when used in conjunction with a security fence or protective
fence for commercial/industrial purposes.
A.
Vision triangles and setback areas adjacent to street
rights-of-way.
(1)
All new trees and all existing trees shall be free
of branches that inhibit vision not less than eight feet above the
ground.
(2)
All other plants shall not exceed three feet in height.
(3)
In other areas of the front yard, plant material shall
not be restricted as to height unless a public nuisance is determined.
(4)
Fences shall not exceed four feet in height and shall
be of see-through design, 90% plus, when installed in corner areas
and vision triangles. Commercial/industrial security fence may be
up to eight feet in height.
(5)
In other areas of the front yard, fences shall be
restricted to four feet in height, unless a public nuisance is determined,
and shall be of a through-vision type, which shall be at least fifty-percent
open.
B.
Rear lot line. Fences shall not exceed eight feet
in height.
C.
Side lot line. Fences shall not exceed eight feet
in height from the rear lot line to a point 25 feet from the front
lot line or the front setback line, whichever is greater.
Any premises which is used or intended to be
used for auto wrecking or for open storage of auto bodies or other
metal, glass, bottles, rags, cans, sacks, rubber, paper or other articles
commonly known as "junk" or for any article known as "secondhand goods,
wares or merchandise" must be enclosed in approved visual screening
fences.
In-ground swimming pools and swimming pools
having an aboveground side wall height of 18 inches or more shall
be fenced as follows:
