Yamhill City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 10
60 FENCE AND WALL REGULATIONS
§ 10.60.010 Applicability of Provisions.
§ 10.60.020 Standards.
New fences or fence alterations shall satisfy all the following standards:
(A)
Maximum Height Standards.
(2)
For fences or walls that are located along the top of a retaining wall or change in grade, a maximum height of three feet may be permitted, even if the total height exceeds eight feet as measured in subsection (A)(3) below. See Illustration (B)(2).
(3)
When fences or walls are located on top of a berm or retaining wall, they shall have a maximum height of eight feet measured from the base of the berm or retaining wall. This maximum height requirement shall be amended only when necessary to comply with subsections (A)(2) or (4). See Illustration (B)(3).
(4)
When deemed appropriate by the City during Site Plan Review or conditional use approval, the maximum fence height may be increased for purpose of providing improved buffering and screening between properties. Fences or walls over six feet in height shall require a building permit.
(5)
When a side yard abuts the front yard of an adjoining lot, the maximum fence height for that side yard shall be three feet.
(6)
Clear-vision area requirements may require elimination or height reduction of a proposed fence.
(B)
The prescribed heights of fences or walls shall be measured from the base to the top of the fence as illustrated below (H = fence height).
 Illustration (B)(1) |
 Illustration (B)(2) |
 Illustration (B)(3) |
(C)
Clear-vision area standards shall be observed in accordance with Chapter 10.68, Clear-Vision Area.
(D)
Fences and walls shall be constructed of wood, chain link, brick wrought iron, decorative metal or similar material.
(E)
The unfinished or structural side of the fence shall face the owner's property.
(F)
The owner must assume all responsibility for accurately determining property boundaries, and for any excavating within designated utility easements.
(G)
Fences and walls shall be located within private property and shall not be placed on public property or rights-of-way.
(Ord. 454 §2, 2000; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)
§ 10.60.030 Standards for Maintenance.
(A)
The residents of single-family dwellings, duplex dwellings, multi-family dwellings, commercial and industrial developments are permitted to repair or replace fences and walls in keeping with the original design concepts in lieu of the standards contained in this section.
(B)
Fences and walls shall be maintained in a safe condition by the property owner.
(Ord. 454 §2, 2000; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)
§ 10.60.040 Fences-Use of Hazardous Materials.
Fences shall not be constructed of or contain any material which will do bodily harm, such as barbed wire, electric wires, broken glass, spikes, and any other dangerous or hazardous material.
(Ord. 454 §2, 2000)