Compton City Zoning Code
§ 30-44.2
General Regulations.
[Ord. #2025, § 1]
a.
Applicability. These regulations apply to all fences, walls, hedges, gates or any other structures that are designed to separate or enclose property or screen activities, materials or equipment from view.
b.
Fence Maintenance. Every fence, including temporary fences, shall be properly maintained and kept in good repair.
1.
Fences shall be physically safe and stable and shall not constitute a dangerous structure as defined in subsection 14-3.2 of the Compton Municipal Code.
2.
Defective parts shall be replaced and cracks, holes and broken surfaces repaired. Gates, hinges and locks shall be maintained in working order.
3.
Fences shall be kept clean, neatly painted and free from graffiti, termites, rust, corrosion, holes, or other unsightly conditions.
c.
Preexisting Fencing. Fences and gates that were constructed prior to adoption of this section shall be regulated as follows:
1.
Preexisting fences and gates may be continued, without upgrade, provided they conform to the following standards:
(a)
They are physically stable, meet minimum standards for safe construction and do not constitute a dangerous structure as defined by subsection 14-3.2 of the Compton Municipal Code.
(b)
They were constructed of recognized fencing materials such as chain link, wrought iron, wood panels or planks which are painted or treated for weather resistance, masonry or enameled steel.
(c)
They are in good condition and conform to the standards for safety, maintenance and repair contained in this section.
(d)
They do not exceed five feet in height within a residential front yard or eight feet in height within a residential rear or side yard.
(e)
Residential rear yard fences and gates which abut a public right-of-way are constructed so they successfully screen the rear yard and all visible outside storage from public view.
(f)
Fences and gates that separate a commercial or manufacturing zone from a residential zone are constructed of solid wood or masonry and are no less than six feet in height.
(g)
Fences and gates used to enclose storage of material or equipment are solid and successfully screen all visible outside storage from public view.
(h)
Gates do not open over or encroach upon public rights-of-way.
2.
Preexisting fencing must be replaced with fencing which conforms to this section when:
(a)
The fence has deteriorated to the point that 25% of the fence must be repaired or replaced.
(b)
The property where the fence is located initiates rehabilitation or renovation the cost of which exceeds 25% of fair market value.
(c)
The buildings occupying the property where the fence is located are expanded by 25% or more of gross floor area.
3.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit razor wire, concertina wire, cut glass, used or salvaged materials or other materials which were never permitted for use as fencing.
4.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit the use of barbed wire within residential or commercial zones.
d.
Architectural Review Board. The Architectural Review Board shall approve all fences and gates constructed along major or secondary highways. Rear yard fences for single-family homes are exempted from review except as required by the Planning Commission or an approved Corridor Improvement Plan.
e.
Major Corridors. The Community Redevelopment Agency may require that existing fencing be upgraded in conjunction with an approved Corridor Improvement Plan.