Fences are regulated in all areas of the City. A permit is required before a fence is installed or rebuilt and the location, height, and alignment of the fence are set out in this article. Generally, fences up to 6 feet in height are permitted for rear yard privacy; only small, low profile ornamental fences and walls are permitted in the front yard. The following regulation shall apply to the construction of fences:

(a)   No fence shall be constructed which will constitute a traffic hazard.

(b)   No fence shall be constructed in such a manner or be of such design as to be hazardous or dangerous to persons or animals.

(c)   No fence shall have attached to it a security-type fence such as razor wire, barb wire, Constantine wire, or any like wire or fence, unless the security-type fence portion is attached to the top of the fence and at a height of at least 6’ off the ground.

(d)   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.

(e)   No fence, except fences erected upon public or parochial 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 or six (6) feet elsewhere; provided, however, that the City may, as a special use, authorize the construction of the fence up to eight (8) feet in height if the City finds the public welfare is served.

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

(1)   Solid panels of plywood, waferboard or similar construction material and used construction or commercial objects, such as storage pallets, shall not be allowed; except that plywood, waferboard or similar construction material may be used for temporary fences around construction sites for public safety.

(2)   Decorative fences in front yards shall be made of wood, woven wire, chain-link, wrought iron, square tubing and/or metal tubing or similar approved material. Fences within the front yards shall be 50% or more transparent. Plywood, waferboard or similar construction material and used construction or commercial objects, such as storage pallets, shall not be allowed.

(3)   All framework 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. 1151; Code 2021)