Kenansville City Zoning Code
FENCES AND
WALLS
§ 152.215 APPLICABILITY.
The provisions of this subchapter shall apply to all new construction, redevelopment or replacement of fences or walls not required for support of a primary or accessory structure, or any other linear barrier intended to delineate different portions of a lot. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this section and any screening standard in § 152.278 of this chapter, the latter shall govern.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018)
§ 152.216 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
(A) Location. Fences are permitted on the property line between two or more parcels of land held in private ownership.
(B) Temporary fences. Temporary fences for construction-sites or a similar purpose shall comply with the requirements of the building code adopted by the town.
(C) Fences in easements. Fences shall be prohibited within utility easements and the town shall not be responsible for damage to, or the repair or replacement of fences that must be removed to access such easements. In no instance shall this provision be construed to prevent fencing around storm water retention or detention facilities.
(D) Blocking natural drainage flow. No fence shall be installed so as to block or divert a natural drainage flow on to or off of any other land.
(E) Fences on retaining walls or berms. If a fence is constructed on top of a wall or berm, the combined height of the fence and wall or berm shall not exceed the maximum height that would apply to a fence or wall alone.
(F) Fences and walls within buffers and streetscape landscaping areas. Fences and walls shall be installed so as not to disturb or damage existing vegetation or installed plant material. The perimeter fencing or wall for a single subdivision or development shall be of a uniform, approved style that meets the standards of this subchapter in order to provide visual interest in an orderly manner.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999
§ 152.217 HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
All fences and walls shall conform to the following standards. In all cases, heights are measured from natural grade.
(A) Residential. In the residential districts, fences and walls, except for retaining walls, shall not exceed a height of four feet in front yards. Walls shall be limited to a maximum height of three feet in front yards. Walls and fences located behind the front building line shall not exceed six feet four inches in height. If a fence is constructed on top of a retaining or other wall, the combined height of the fence and wall shall not exceed the maximum height that would apply to a fence or wall alone.
(B) Non-residential.
(1) In the non-residential and mixed-use districts, fences and walls shall not be permitted in front setback areas, and shall not exceed a height of six feet four inches in front yards and within 20 linear feet of public rights-of-way inside and rear yards. Fences and walls shall not exceed eight feet four inches in height in all other areas.
(2) If a fence is constructed on top of a retaining or other wall, the combined height of the fence and wall shall not exceed the maximum height that would apply to a fence or wall alone.
(D) Exemption for recreational fencing. Customary fencing provided as a part of a permitted tennis court, athletic field or other recreational facility shall be exempt from the height restrictions of this section.
(E) Exemption for safety. Major utilities, government facilities and other public safety uses shall be exempted from these standards as needed for public safety.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999
§ 152.218 PERIMETER FENCES AND WALLS ABUTTING PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
Perimeter fences or walls abutting a public right-of-way shall:
(A) Be of a uniform style;
(B) Be located outside the right-of-way associated with a public street; and
(C) Be located outside any required streetscape landscaping. (See § 152.272 of this chapter.)
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999
§ 152.219 VISIBILITY CLEARANCE.
Fences and walls may not be placed in any location that would obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians, or otherwise create a safety hazard.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999
§ 152.220 PROHIBITED FENCES.
(A) Chain link and metal-slat fencing. Fences and walls constructed of chain link or metal slats shall be prohibited within the front yard in all residential districts.
(B) Barbed wire and above ground electrified fences prohibited. Except as needed for agricultural uses, livestock, major utilities, government facilities and other public safety uses, barbed wire fences and above ground electrified fences are prohibited in all zoning districts. Underground or above ground electric fences designed for control of domestic animals are permitted.
(C) Debris, rolled plastic, sheet metal, plywood or other waste materials. Fences or walls made of debris, junk, rolled plastic, sheet metal, plywood or waste materials are prohibited in all zoning districts, unless such materials have been recycled and reprocessed into building materials marketed to the general public and resemble new building materials.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999
§ 152.221 APPEARANCE OF FENCES AND WALLS.
(A) Customary materials. Fences and walls shall be constructed of customary materials, including solid wood, brick, masonry, stone, wrought iron, decorative metal materials or products designed to resemble these materials. Where specific materials are specified for particular types of screening or buffering fences or walls, all other fence materials are prohibited.
(B) Finished side to outside. Wherever a fence or wall is installed, if one side of the fence or wall appears more “finished” than the other (i.e., one side has visible support framing and the other does not), then the more “finished” side of the fence shall face the perimeter or outside of the lot, rather than facing the interior of the lot.
(C) Uniformity of materials on a single lot side. All fencing or wall segments located along a single lot side shall be composed of a uniform material and shall be of a uniform color.
(D) Maintenance required. All fences and walls shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe and attractive condition, including, but not limited to, replacement of missing, decayed or broken structural and decorative elements. All fences and walls shall receive regular structural maintenance to prevent and address sagging and weathering of surfaces visible from the public right-of-way. Any deteriorated, damaged or decayed fence materials shall be promptly repaired and any fence or wall post or section that leans more than 20 degrees from vertical shall be promptly repaired to correct that condition.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999