[Amended 2-14-2011 by Ord. No. 8-2011]

No fence, wall or similar structure greater than three feet in height shall be erected without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator. The height of fences and walls shall be measured based upon the total height above the ground, such as if a two-foot tall fence is constructed on top of a two-foot tall wall, the structure shall be considered four feet high. See also Chapter 180, Construction Codes, for requirements for any retaining wall.

Fences, walls and similar structures in the minimum front yard of a residential or R-PO District shall not exceed four feet in height. In all other cases, fences, walls or similar structures exclusive of ornamentation shall not exceed six feet in height in any district, except: the Manufacturing or C-H Districts as provided in Subsection A below; or where the applicant proves to the satisfaction that the taller fencing is needed to secure an electric substation or similar safety or health hazard. Decorative posts and similar ornamentation of a fence or wall may extend an additional one foot above the maximum height, provided the ornamental features are not continuous in a way that effectively extends the overall height of the fence or wall.

   A.   Fences in Manufacturing or C-H Districts may be taller than six feet; provided that such fences shall not exceed eight feet in height if the fence is to be located within 20 feet from a residential zone or a residential use.

   A.   All lots containing a driveway or located at the intersection of an alley or street shall comply with the following sight triangle requirements:

      (1)   No building, fence, wall, structure, object and/or site improvement shall be erected or permitted which exceeds a height of 30 inches above the elevation of the intersecting streets and is located within the designated sight triangle.

      (2)   Features that have a clearance of greater than 10 feet shall not be regulated, such as the trimmed canopy of a shade tree or the sign face of a pole-mounted sign.

      (3)   A fence that allows more than 75% visibility through it (such as a typical open chain-link fence) shall not be regulated by this section.

      (4)   A utility pole or a pole for a permitted sign may be located within a clear sight triangle, provided it does not have a diameter greater than 20 inches.

      (5)   A trunk of an existing tree may continue to be located in a clear sight triangle, provided the adjacent landowner trims the branches to minimize sight obstructions.

      (6)   All traffic control signs, street lights and/or standard mail boxes shall be permitted within the sight triangle.

      (7)   An existing building may be replaced with a new building without needing a larger setback to comply with the required clear sight triangle.

   B.   The dimensional requirements for clear sight triangles that pertain to a driveway, alley or street intersection are specified under § 515-502.F.(7) of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

   C.   A modification or reduction to the dimensional requirements specified for a clear sight triangle shall be considered as part of a Subdivision and Land Development Plan Application or a Zoning Variance Application, as applicable. All such modifications or reductions shall not reduce the required sight distance requirements nor shall it create a traffic hazard for vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic patterns.

The following fences, walls, similar structures or fencing and wall materials shall be prohibited:

   A.   Barbed wire.

      (1)   When the fence, wall or similar structure is located in any residential district associated with a residential use, or abuts a residential property; is located in the C- N or R-PO Zones; or is located in a front yard area or abuts a street (as defined in Chapter 515, Subdivision and Land Development) in the C-C and C-R Zones.

      (2)   When the barbed wire would be located less than six feet above grade.

      (3)   When the barbed wire would extend beyond the exterior facade of the fence, wail or similar structure.

      (4)   When the fence, wall, or similar structure is not properly buffered in accordance with § 600-1401 of this chapter.

   B.   Fabric.

   C.   Electrically charged fences, other than invisible fences for animals.

   D.   Broken glass affixed to or on any wall, fence or similar structure.

   E.   Junk, including but not limited to discarded vehicles, appliances, and anything not in accordance with Chapter 180, Construction Codes, requirements.

   F.   Razor wire, except around a prison or correctional institution.

Temporary fences, walls or similar structures may be used on construction sites, provided such fences, walls or similar structures are removed upon completion of the construction project. The Zoning Administrator may request a timetable for construction from the contractor. All temporary fences, walls or similar structures shall meet the requirements of that zoning district.

This Part 13 shall not regulate fences or walls around a City-owned use, public park, public playground, public school properties or water or sewage facilities.