§ 230-6. Fences and retaining walls.

(a)

This section regulates fences, walls, and fences and walls in combination.

(b)

General conditions.

(1)

Fences and walls shall be maintained in good repair.

(2)

Fences and walls may step down a slope, however supports shall be vertical and plumb.

(3)

Posts shall be anchored in concrete.

(4)

Supports shall face inward to the property.

(5)

Barbed wire shall be prohibited on all fences and walls.

(c)

Fences.

(1)

Fences in the front or street yard:

a.

Maximum height: Fences in the front or street yard shall not exceed four feet in height and shall not extend into the public right-of-way. See Section 230-7 for corner lot restrictions. Vehicular gates may be up to six feet in height, provided the surrounding fence is no taller than four feet. Properties with agricultural and industrial uses are allowed fences up to six feet.

b.

Materials . Fences in the front or street yard shall not be made of wire, woven metal, or chain link, unless located on property of an agricultural or industrial, use. All other fences shall be ornamental or decorative fences constructed of brick, stone, stucco, split rail, wood, aluminum, or wrought iron. The fence shall be a minimum of 50 percent transparent to reduce the appearance of an opaque structure along the sidewalk. Exposed block, tires, junk or other discarded material shall be prohibited fence materials.

(2)

Fences in interior side and rear yards.

a.

Maximum Height . Fences shall not exceed eight feet in height.

b.

Materials. If a fence is constructed of chain link or other metal fencing, fence shall be vinyl, powder coated, or galvanized.

(d)

Retaining walls.

(1)

Maximum Height . Retaining walls in the front or street side yards are limited to four feet in height. A retaining wall located adjacent to a sidewalk along a public street shall not exceed two feet in height. Retaining walls shall be limited to eight feet in height in interior side and rear yards.

(2)

Materials . Retaining walls shall be constructed of decorative concrete modular block or shall be faced with stone or brick or textured cement masonry.

(e)

Fences and retaining walls combined:

(1)

Fences erected within five feet of the top a retaining wall shall be regulated by this section.

(2)

Fences and retaining walls combined that are erected within ten feet of a public sidewalk:

a.

Maximum Height . Fences and retaining walls combined within ten feet of a public sidewalk shall not exceed two feet for the wall and four feet for the fence.

b.

Materials . Fences shall not be made of wire, woven metal, or chain link, unless located on property of an agricultural or industrial, use. All other fences shall be ornamental or decorative fences constructed of brick, stone, stucco, split rail, wood, aluminum, or wrought iron. The fence shall be a minimum of 50 percent transparent so as to reduce the appearance of an opaque structure along the sidewalk. Exposed block, tires, junk or other discarded material shall be prohibited fence materials. Retaining walls shall be constructed of decorative concrete modular block or shall be faced with stone or brick or textured cement masonry.

(3)

Fences and retaining walls combined in all other locations on a lot:

a.

Maximum Height . Fences and retaining walls in combination in the rear yard cannot exceed eight feet each, provided their combined height does not exceed twelve feet. Retaining walls and fences in the front yard shall not exceed four feet each, provided their combined height does not exceed six feet.

b.

Materials . Chain link and other metal fencing shall be vinyl, powder coated, or galvanized. If fences and retaining walls in combination are located in the front yard, wire, woven metal, or chain link fences are prohibited, unless located on property of an agricultural or industrial. Retaining walls shall be constructed of decorative concrete modular block or shall be faced with stone or brick or textured cement masonry. Any portion of a combined fence and wall that exceeds ten feet shall be transparent for a minimum of 50 percent of the length of the fence so as to reduce the appearance of an opaque structure.

(f)

Method of measurement . Heights of fences and retaining walls shall be measured from the grade plane.

(g)

Exceptions. Temporary chain link security fences up to 6 ft. in height may be erected to surround the property up to 30 days prior and 30 days following completion of demolition, rehabilitation, or new construction.

(Ord. No. 743 , 12-19-17)