No fence shall be constructed, erected, or structurally altered unless a building permit therefor has been issued. All fences shall be of a rustic nature, and shall not exceed six feet (6') in height as measured from natural grade or finished grade, whichever is lower. Rustic materials include wood and metal such as cold rolled steel that allows or approximates a natural rusting finish. Fences of plastic or synthetic material, chainlink, cyclone wire, chicken wire, barbed wire or any other twisted style metal fencing shall be expressly prohibited except for use in animal runs as expressly provided herein, with the exception of metal welded wire utility mesh having a diameter of 12- and/or 14-gauge with two inch by four inch (2" x 4") squares between the wire strands and only when it is constructed as an interior component of a wooden frame fence with the following construction requirements:

   A.   If built with natural materials (post and pole construction), the wooden framework for the fence shall consist of vertical fence posts with a minimum diameter of four inches (4") and a maximum distance apart of twelve feet (12'), with a maximum height above grade of four feet (4'); and it shall have a minimum of two (2) horizontal fence rails having a minimum diameter of four inches (4") and with a maximum distance between rails of twenty eight inches (28").

   B.   If built with dimensional lumber (milled and/or planed lumber construction), the wooden framework shall consist of vertical fence posts with a minimum size of four inches by four inches (4" x 4") and with a maximum distance apart of twelve feet (12') and a maximum height above grade of four feet (4'); and it shall have a minimum of two (2) horizontal rails with a minimum size of two inches by six inches (2" x 6") and have a maximum distance between rails of twenty eight inches (28").

   C.   The wire mesh shall be attached to both the vertical posts and the horizontal rails in such a manner as to prevent the mesh from sagging.

   D.   The wire shall not be a visually significant or dominant part of the fence. Manufactured metal "stock gates" shall be allowed. (Ord. 189, 8-9-2012)

Setbacks otherwise established by this title shall not apply to fences; provided, however, fences which form any part of an "animal run" as defined herein shall satisfy all setback requirements. All fences shall be located inside the legal boundaries of the property to be enclosed unless adjoining property owners agree to placement of the fence on the boundary between their properties. Said agreement shall be in writing filed with the building permit application and shall be conclusive proof of the establishment of the boundary by agreement. (Ord. 91, 5-7-1991)

   A.   An "animal run" is hereby defined to be a completely enclosed area, not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet, used for housing animals.

   B.   Fences may be used in construction of animal runs which do not exceed six feet (6') in height and which satisfy all setback requirements for the applicable zone.

This section shall not create any additional right to keep animals within the city limits, nor shall it impair enforcement of any other provision of law with respect to keeping animals, creating a nuisance, or affecting sanitation, health, or welfare within the city. (Ord. 91, 5-7-1991)