Fence Regulations.

(1) 

No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, reconstruct, maintain, alter, move or enlarge any fence within the City that is not in compliance with this code.

(2) 

Fence Location and Height Requirements.

(a) 

One- and two-family uses. Fences are permitted in yards as follows:

1. 

Front yards. Fences are not permitted in required front yard setbacks as determined by the Zoning Code, Chapter 12.

2. 

Side and rear yards. Fences are permitted, not to exceed six (6) feet in height, in the side and rear yards.

3. 

Corner lots. The shorter dimension of a corner lot abutting a street shall be considered the front yard and shall not be permitted to have a fence in the required front yard setback regardless of the property address or other designation of the lot. The longer dimension of a corner lot abutting a street shall be considered a side yard and fences shall be allowed, not to exceed six (6) feet in height.

4. 

Through lots. Fences shall be permitted in rear and side yards of through lots, not to exceed six (6) feet in height, as determined by the setbacks set when the dwelling was constructed.

(b) 

Uses other than one- and two-family uses. Fences are permitted as approved in RMC 12.13 for site changes.

(c) 

Fence height shall be determined by the distance from the top of the fence materials, excluding posts, to the grade on either side of the fence, whichever is greater.

(3) 

Fence Construction Requirements.

[Ord. O-2015-0045, 9/15/2015]

(a) 

Fence materials. Fences may be constructed of approved materials, such as commercial fence materials, concrete block or treated lumber, but may not include sheet metal, salvage materials or be electrified. Fence posts and supporting framework shall be on the interior side of the fence. A fence constructed of a single-strand wire or wires forming a single horizontal member is prohibited.

(b) 

Maintenance. All fences shall be kept in good repair and maintained as necessary to protect the general welfare and preserve the aesthetic character of the neighborhood and the community.

(4) 

Safety Hazards. No portion of any fence shall be so located as to impair or interfere with the visibility of pedestrians or vehicular movement, as provided in Sec. 13.30 of this Chapter.

(5) 

Exceptions.

(a) 

This section does not apply to fences in existence prior to July 1, 1988. Fences that do not conform to this section and in existence prior to this date shall not be altered or enlarged unless made to conform with this section.

(b) 

The Common Council, Plan Commission or Board of Appeals may approve fences that differ or exceed the location, height and construction, requirements of this section, in accordance with Sections 12.13, 12.15 and 12.16 of this Code.

[Ord. 6389, 6/2/1998]

Ord. 6389, 6/2/1998; Ord. O-2015-0045, 9/15/2015