As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning
indicated:
FENCE
A fence constructed of rails, planks, stakes, strung wire, or similar
material which creates an enclosure, barrier or boundary and has a more or
less permanent location in the ground, or is attached to something having
a permanent location in or on the ground.
OPEN FENCE
A fence having more than 50% of its surface area open for the free
passage of light and air. Examples of such fences include chain link, picket,
and rail fences.
ORNAMENTAL FENCE
A fence whose only purpose is to decorate, accent, or frame a feature
of the landscape, whose height does not exceed four feet, and which has more
than 50% of its surface area open for free passage of light and air. Ornamental
fences are often used to identify a lot corner or lot line, or to frame a
driveway, walkway, or planting bed. Ornamental fences are often of the picket,
rail, or wrought iron type. If an ornamental fence is 20 feet or less in total
length and freestanding, i.e., not connected to a structure, no permit or
fee is required.
RESIDENTIAL FENCE
Any fence, other than an ornamental fence, which is constructed in
a residential-zoned district.
SECURITY FENCE
A fence erected for the purpose of preventing entry to a property
by unauthorized persons and/or for the purpose of protecting equipment, materials,
or products contained within the enclosure. A security fence may also be erected
to screen equipment, materials, or products from view. A security fence may
not exceed 10 feet in height (less in certain zones; see below). It may include
a maximum of four strands of barbed wire on the top of the fence, provided
that the barbed wire is at least eight feet above grade with the vertical
supports for the barbed wire slanting inward away from the property line.
SOLID FENCE
A fence with 50% or less of its surface area open for free passage
of light and air and which is designed to conceal from view the activities
conducted behind it (may also be known as a "privacy fence"). Examples of
such fences are stockade, board on board, board and batten, basket weave,
and louvered.
Fences shall be constructed in such a manner that the "finished" side
of the fence shall face the neighboring property. Fence posts shall be on
the side of the fence facing the permit applicant's property. Except as otherwise
provided in this chapter, no fence shall be more than six feet in height.
All fences shall be constructed so as not to interfere with vehicular traffic
visibility.
A. Prohibited construction materials. The use of barbed
wire, electric wire, or double- or triple-strand wire is not permitted in
the construction of any fence, except as specifically allowed by this chapter.
B. Residential zones. A residential fence may be installed
up to the side or rear lot line in a residentially zoned district. Such a
fence may not be installed in a street right-of-way. If separate fences are
desired on a common lot line, a separation of three feet between the fences
must be established for maintenance purposes. Security fences, as defined
above, are not permitted in residential zones.
C. Business and commercial zones. A fence, not exceeding
eight feet in height, may be erected up to the front, rear, and side lot lines
of a business located in a business-zoned area.
D. Industrial zones. A fence, not exceeding 10 feet in height,
may be erected up to the front, rear, and side lot lines in industrial-zoned
areas.
E. Rural development zones. In a rural development zone,
barbed wire, electric wire or double- or triple-strand wire is allowed for
agricultural and farming purposes only. Fences erected at residential, business,
commercial, and industrial establishments which are located within a rural
development zone must comply with the requirements of their respective zone.
F. Residences in nonresidential zones. Residences (single-family
or multifamily) located outside of a residentially zoned area must comply
with the fence requirements of residential zones.
All fences which exist on May 21, 1998, and do not conform with this
chapter may be maintained. However, no alteration, modification or improvement
to such nonconforming fence shall be permitted without obtaining a permit
as prescribed in this chapter. The only exception to this regulation is when
a fence has been destroyed by an act of God or by the criminal acts of another
person.