River Oaks City Zoning Code
SECTION 21
FENCE REGULATIONS.
A.
PERMITS.
Any fence constructed after the effective date of this Ordinance requires a building permit.
B.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
A fence shall be constructed of decorative wrought iron, chainlink, wood, masonry, or any other code-approved material except that solid sheet metal panels shall not be allowed on any property zoned "R-1," "R-2," "R-3," "R-4," "R-5," "R-6," or "MF" unless a specific regulation herein requires that a fence be constructed of a specific material.
C.
USE REGULATIONS.
1.
Property Lines.
No fence, guy wire, brace, vee arm, barbed wire, base and arm, or any structure attached to a fence shall protrude over any property lines, provided that a utility company may utilize barbed wire to protect certain facilities as provided in an agreement with the city.
2.
Dimensions of Fences.
No fence shall be constructed to a height exceeding eight feet. Exceptions - In commercial or community facility zoning districts, fences serving as backstops for tennis, basketball, or volleyball courts; baseball or softball fields; or other similar facilities may exceed a height of eight feet but shall not be constructed to a height exceeding 12 feet.
3.
Placement of Fences.
The purpose of the following placement regulations of this Ordinance is to prevent sight restrictions, promote safety for vehicles and pedestrians, and provide an open atmosphere in developments:
a.
Front Yard.
Fences constructed of wrought iron, ornamental iron, metal except that solid sheet metal siding shall not be permitted, chainlink, vinyl or other material that allows the passage of a 1-3/4" sphere are permitted in front of the designated front building line of any property zoned "R-1," "R-2," "R-3," "R-4," "R-5," "R-6," or "MF" may be allowed to a height not greater than four (4) feet measured from the natural contour of the land unless:
i.
The fence is constructed of an ornamental material such as decorative wrought iron, then it may be allowed to a height not greater than six (6) feet measured from the natural contour of the land providing it is determined to be architecturally compatible within that particular zoning district by the building official and be at least 50 percent open; or
ii.
The fence is a solid fence of not more than three (3) feet in height constructed in front of the main structure on properties zoned "R-1," "R-2," "R-3," "R-4," "R-5," "R-6," or "MF."
b.
Property Lines.
Fences may be constructed on all property lines of any property zoned "CF," "C-1," "C-2," "C-3" and "I," with the exception of corner lots or as otherwise specified in this section.
i.
Fences located in the required front yards in Districts "CF," "C-1," "C-2," "C-3" and "I" shall observe a visibility triangle clear area adjacent to all private drives or alleys adjoining a public street.
ii.
A visibility triangle shall be a minimum of 20 feet unless the zoning administrator shall require a greater distance for traffic safety.
iii.
No fence, hedge or shrubs shall be placed in the front yard which effectively limits the vision of pedestrians or vehicle operations. Fences installed on lots zoned for commercial uses with legal conforming residential uses shall adhere to the fence requirements for the "R-5" zoning designation.
c.
Side Yards.
i.
Interior Lots.
Fences may be placed on side property lines from the rear of a lot to the front building line.
ii.
Corner Lots with Interior Lots Behind Them.
Fences may not extend beyond the side building line.
iii.
Corner Lots with No Interior Lots Behind Them.
Provided they do not extend into the visibility triangle; fences may be placed from the rear property line to the front building line and extend up to 15 feet back from the prevailing edge of the street.
4.
Visibility Triangle.
No fence shall extend into the triangular area formed by the extension of the two curblines to a point measuring 20 feet from the intersection of two streets, and connecting the points to form a 45 degree triangle.
5.
Screening for Residential Adjacencies and Dumpsters.
a.
All screening required by this subsection shall be between six feet and eight feet in height and of metal, wood vinyl or masonry construction.
b.
Approved screening material shall be provided where a lot zoned for commercial uses abuts property zoned for or used for residential uses.
c.
No screening shall be provided in the required front yard except on double frontages.
d.
All dumpsters shall be screened with a fence constructed of masonry.
e.
The owner or person in charge of the commercially zoned tract shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, the screening device in a safe condition and in good repair.
6.
Maintenance of Fences.
All fences shall be maintained in safe condition and in good repair. Whenever the fence, or any portion thereof, because of dilapidation, deterioration or decay or from any other cause is likely to partially or completely collapse, it is the responsibility of the property owner to abate the substandard condition of the fence either through repair, replacement or removal.
(Ordinance 1394-2023 adopted 11/28/2023)