The purpose of these regulations is to assure occupants of privacy, security and to enhance the overall appearance and enjoyment of their property. The Planning and Zoning Commission approval is required for certain types of fences that may impact adjoining properties as to natural light, circulation of air and flow of storm water.

(Ord. 09-O-37, passed 9-21-2009)

   As used in this chapter:

   (a)   Agricultural fence. "Agricultural fence" means any of the permitted fences used to contain livestock and protect agricultural or nursery products. Permitted agricultural fences are:

      (1)   Post and rail fence: A fence that consists of vertical posts and horizontal rails or split rail.

      (2)   Woven wire fence.

      (3)   Electric fence. An electrified fence whose controller meets the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL69 Electric-Fence Controller and which is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

   (b)   Chain link fence. "Chain link fence" means a fence, usually made of metal, which consists of wire loops interconnected into a series of joined links.

   (c)   Fence. "Fence" means a continuous man-made structure or device, or the placement of hedges, trees, bushes or other plants intended to enclose or delineate an otherwise open area of land.

   (d)   Front yard, side yard, and rear yard. "Front yard," "side yard" and "rear yard" shall have the same meaning as contained in § 1261.10(b).

   (e)   Height not to exceed. "Height not to exceed" means the height of a fence as measured from the existing grade line to the top of the fence with an allowable deviation of no more than six inches to allow for clearance and/or uneven terrain.

   (f)   Living fence. "Living fence" means a fence, created by human effort, which consists of the growth or placement of hedges, trees, bushes, plants, or any combination thereof, into a vision-impairing or solid living fence.

   (g)   Ornamental fence. "Ornamental fence" means a fence that is designed and constructed of conventional material commonly utilized for the construction of decorative fencing, consistent and in harmony with the other uses in the zoning district in which it is located to achieve beauty or decorative effect. Exotic and/or unusual fence materials and/or design, not normally found or customarily utilized in the district in which it is located are prohibited, subject to § 1290.03(g). Permitted ornamental fences are:

      (1)   Rail or split rail fence: A fence constructed of narrow wooden timbers (whole or split) placed horizontally between upright supporting posts.

      (2)   Picket fence: A fence constructed of upright poles or slats having not less than 25 percent of the area of its vertical plane open to light and air.

      (3)   Wrought iron fence: A fence constructed of wrought iron.

   (h)   Privacy fence. "Privacy fence" means a fence made to inhibit public view and provide seclusion. Permitted privacy fences are:

      (1)   Board on board fence: A board fence with vertical boards placed alternatively on opposite rails.

      (2)   Solid board fence: A board fence with less than 25 percent of the area of the vertical plane open to light and air.

      (3)   Solid wall fence: A fence constructed of stone or brick or commercially manufactured masonry products similar to decorative stone or brick; no other type of material is permitted.

   (i)   Vision-impairing fence. "Vision-impairing fence" means a fence that is located within the right-of-way.

(Ord. 09-O-37, passed 9-21-2009; Am. Ord. 11-O-38, passed 7-11-2011; Am. Ord. 24-O-94, passed 1-7-2025)

   No fence shall be built, erected, constructed, altered or moved upon, and onto or within any portion of a lot, except for the following permitted fences:

   (f)   Unless otherwise permitted by the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to subsection (g) below, an agricultural fence shall be permitted only in the side and rear yard of the premises, actually devoted to agricultural pursuits, and must be maintained not less than six inches from the common property line with an adjacent lot, and shall not exceed six feet in height.

      (1)   Any fence that exceeds six feet six inches in height, including but not limited to fences for recreational purposes, agricultural deer fences, and privacy fences where unusual topography creates the need for increased fence height to maintain privacy.

      (2)   All non-residential fences or an agricultural fence in the front yard.

      (3)   Any fence that uses barbed-wire, as outlined in § 1290.04(b).

      (4)   Any ornamental fence that utilizes exotic and/or unusual fence materials and/or design.

      The Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine whether the restrictions herein contained constitute a practical difficulty, as that term is set forth and explained in § 1264.05 and shall also consider the effect and impact of the fence upon the neighboring properties and their owners, and if approved may attach such conditions to its approval that would ensure that it would not be harmful to the health safety, welfare or value of the neighboring properties or their owners.

(Ord. 09-O-37, passed 9-21-2009)

   (a)   No fence shall be constructed within the city in any area that constitutes a road right-of-way, nor shall any fence interfere with natural water flow or a drainage swale.

   (b)   No person shall erect or maintain within the city a barbed-wire fence. This section does not prevent the placement and use of not more than three strands of barbed wire on top of a fence, other than a barbed-wire fence, provided such strands are not less than 72 inches from the ground and are used for security purposes, upon approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as outlined in § 1290.03(g)(3).

   (c)   A vision-impairing fence.

(Ord. 09-O-37, passed 9-21-2009)

   No person shall construct or erect a fence in the city without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Inspector.

(Ord. 09-O-37, passed 9-21-2009)

   All fences erected or standing within the city shall be maintained in good condition, be structurally sound and be attractively finished at all times in accordance with § 1462.15. Any ground between such fences and property lines shall be well maintained at all times with the grass in any such area not exceeding five inches. Any such fences shall be designed, constructed and finished so that the supporting members thereof shall face the property of the owner of the fence.

(Ord. 09-O-37, passed 9-21-2009)