Except as otherwise specifically provided in other codes and regulations, the following regulations shall apply to the construction of fences:

(a)   No fence shall be construction without a permit.

(b)   No fence shall be constructed in such a manor or be of such design as to be hazardous or dangerous to animals or which will constitute a traffic hazard.

(c)   No person shall erect or maintain any fence which will materially damage the adjacent property by obstructing the view, shutting out the sunlight, or hindering ventilation, or which shall adversely affect the public health, safety, and welfare.

(d)   No fence except fences erected upon public school grounds or in public parks and in public playgrounds shall be constructed of a height greater than four (4) feet in the front yard, three (3) feet for solid fences, or greater than six (6) feet elsewhere.

(e)   Fences shall be constructed of the following materials and methods:

(1)   Rear yard fences: Wood, Brick, Chain Link, and other approved fencing material designed for use in residential neighborhoods: posts may be metal. Board widths shall be no greater than twelve (12) inches for solid, staggered or basket weaved fences. Solid panels of plywood, wafer board, or similar construction material may be used for temporary fences around construction sites for public safety.

(2)   Decorative fences in front yards: Wood, Woven wire, Chain Link, Rod Iron, Square Tubing and/or Metal Tubing. A decorative fence must be of open construction no more than twenty-five (25) percent opacity. Plywood, wafer board, or similar construction material and used construction or commercial objects such as storage pallets shall not be allowed.

(3)   All frame work of a fence must be on the private (inside portion) of the property and all posts of a wire fence must be inside of the fabric. All posts, except metal “T” line posts, must be set in concrete to a minimum depth below the frost line as required by the City.

(Ord. 427)

(a)   A property line survey and variance shall be required when construction of a fence is to be closer to the property line than the setback requirements.

(b)   No fence shall be placed closer to the side yard property line than the required five (5) foot set back.

(c)   The fence shall not be placed closer to the rear yard property line than the required set back by City Ordinance.

(Ord. 427)

(a)   Fences must be maintained so as not to endanger life or property. Any fence which through lack or repair, type of construction, or otherwise, imperils life or property, shall be deemed a nuisance. The public official shall notify the owner of the property on which such a fence is located of the existence of such a nuisance. The owner must then abate such nuisance within seven (7) days after receiving such notice. In the case of immediate danger to life or property, the public official may require immediate abatement.

(b)   Fences containing barbwire, concertina, or similar wire, individual strand fences, and electric fences are hereby declared hazardous to public safety. The public official may order the removal of such fences when they are located in a residential area. Such fences located in industrial or commercial areas must be maintained or repaired, and must be removed when they become dilapidated. EXCEPTION: Barbed wire which is part of a protective measure fence approved under this or a previous ordinance is exempt from this requirement.

(Ord. 427)