Rice Lake City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IV
Fences and Hedges
§ 260-42 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A structure partially or completely surrounding a part of or the whole of a zoning lot which is intended to prevent intrusion from without and straying from within the area controlled, but not including a hedge or other natural growth.
A fence constructed for the purpose of providing a physical barrier for commercial or industrial material or property. These fences shall be of chain link construction and may have barbwire placed on top of the fence. Arms or extensions which project from such fences shall not project over adjacent properties.
A fence constructed specifically for the purpose of creating a visual/sound barrier between commercial and residential properties. These fences shall be of the visual screening type and shall have a minimum of six feet and a maximum height of eight feet.
The vertical dimension measured upward from the surface of the ground at the proposed location of the fence or upward from the finished ground level on the higher side, where there is a necessary retaining wall required for purposes other than creating a false grade.
A fence, including any gate-inset fence, which permits direct vision through at least 90% of any one-square-foot segment of vertical fence surface area; for example, a chain link or woven wire fence without slats.
A substantially built fence, including any gate-inset fence, not less than four feet in height above grade which may be required as an enclosure for an attractive nuisance or other potential hazard to children; for example, a swimming pool. Such a fence may be either solid or other substantial construction consisting of vertical structural members with clear openings between each not exceeding four inches and with horizontal rails or supporting members no closer together than three feet. Chain link or woven wire fencing materials, with or without slats, may also be utilized, provided that they meet other requirements contained herein. Gates in such a fence shall be self-closing and self-latching, with a latch and lock not less sufficient to prevent access by uninvited persons. In no case shall a fence of this classification include design features that would facilitate its ascent or permit passage of a child's body, as determined by the Community Development Department.
A solid and substantially built fence not less than eight feet in height above grade which shall be placed between any pedestrianway and a site containing any hazardous condition.
A fence constructed of solid material, wood or masonry through which no visual images may be seen. Openings in such a fence shall not exceed 2% of any one-square-foot segment of vertical fence surface area more than eight inches above grade.
A fence whose vertical surface is covered by a solid or opaque material through which no complete visual images may be seen. Openings in such fence shall not exceed 20% of any one square foot of vertical fence surface area which is more than eight inches above grade, nor shall any opening exceed 1/2 inch in width. Woven wire or chain link fences containing slats shall not be classified as visual screening fences of a permanent nature but may be permitted upon specific approval of the Community Development Department where such a fence is for temporary duration (duration of three years or less) purposes only.
Open fences (over ninety-percent open) may be constructed to a height not to exceed 10 feet for the uses listed below. Such fences shall conform to all setback requirements for structures in all districts. Recreational fences include:
§ 260-43 Findings; maintenance.
A.
It is hereby found and determined that the public safety and convenience and the protection of public and private property require regulation of the installation, construction and placement of fences on private property.
B.
All fences shall be maintained and kept safe and in a state of good repair, and the finished side or decorative side of a fence shall face adjoining property.
§ 260-44 Permit required.
No person shall erect upon any private property in the city any fence or structure in the nature of a fence without first obtaining a permit from the Community Development Department. Application for a fence permit shall be submitted to the Community Development Department upon forms prescribed by said department, along with a plot plan detailing the location on the property of all buildings and proposed fences, either drawn to scale or having dimensions clearly shown. A fee shall be charged for each permit as set forth in the fee schedule adopted as part of the annual budget document.
§ 260-45 Safety standards.
A.
General conditions. Fences must be sturdily constructed so as to support wind loads. They shall not block emergency access from doors or windows. They shall have a clearance of at least two feet from building walls, except where fences project from or to a building wall. Where fences are close to alleys and sidewalks, self-closing gates may swing open onto sidewalks and alleys. Fences shall not be fire hazards.
B.
Fire hazard. The Community Development Department shall not grant a permit for the erection of any fence which constitutes a fire hazard, either of itself or in connection with the existing structures in the vicinity, or which will interfere with access in case of a fire by the Fire Department to buildings in the vicinity or which will constitute a hazard to street traffic or pedestrians.
C.
Barbwire fencing. Barbwire fences may be constructed only to enclose bona fide pastures where cattle or other livestock are kept or when used in conjunction with a security fence or protective fence for commercial/industrial purposes.
§ 260-46 Fences and plantings in setbacks.
A.
Vision triangles and setback areas adjacent to street rights-of-way.
(1)
All new trees and all existing trees shall be free of branches that inhibit vision not less than eight feet above the ground.
(2)
All other plants shall not exceed three feet in height.
(3)
In other areas of the front yard, plant material shall not be restricted as to height unless a public nuisance is determined.
(4)
Fences shall not exceed four feet in height and shall be of see-through design, 90% plus, when installed in corner areas and vision triangles. Commercial/industrial security fence may be up to eight feet in height.
(5)
In other areas of the front yard, fences shall be restricted to four feet in height, unless a public nuisance is determined, and shall be of a through-vision type, which shall be at least fifty-percent open.
B.
Rear lot line. Fences shall not exceed eight feet in height.
C.
Side lot line. Fences shall not exceed eight feet in height from the rear lot line to a point 25 feet from the front lot line or the front setback line, whichever is greater.
§ 260-47 Outside storage.
Any premises which is used or intended to be used for auto wrecking or for open storage of auto bodies or other metal, glass, bottles, rags, cans, sacks, rubber, paper or other articles commonly known as "junk" or for any article known as "secondhand goods, wares or merchandise" must be enclosed in approved visual screening fences.
§ 260-48 Swimming pools.
In-ground swimming pools and swimming pools having an aboveground side wall height of 18 inches or more shall be fenced as follows: