PURPOSE

  1. To ensure that fences allow for delineation of private yard space while allowing for a street that is visually transparent, safe, and interesting.
  2. To allow for rear yard fences that provide privacy.

APPLICABILITY

  1. The standards of this Article apply to any new fences or walls, including those required per use standards in Use Standards, to minimize the trespass of undue sound and light between abutting properties.

FENCES & WALLS

  1. Fences and walls installed directly onto a shared side or rear lot line require consent of the abutting property owner.
  2. Fence posts or supporting rails must face inward toward the property being fenced and the finished face must be oriented towards the abutting property, thoroughfare, or civic space.
  3. Fences and walls located within the frontage zone may be no more than 4 feet in height, and must be constructed of pickets or pickets set onto a low wall, where the pickets are no more than 50% opaque. Fence and gate posts may not be more than 4.5 feet in height.
  4. Fences and walls located behind the frontage zone may be up to 8 feet in height. Fence and gate posts may not be more than 8.5 feet in height.
  5. Fences within 4 feet of windows must be a minimum of 70% opaque.
  6. Fences and walls must be constructed of durable, natural materials, such as wood, brick, stone, or painted metal. Plastic, vinyl, and chain link fences are prohibited within the frontage zone. Barbed wire and concertina wire are prohibited.
  7. When required for screening, fences, and walls must be a minimum of 6 feet in height and must provide a solid visual barrier.
  8. Fences and walls may not cross thoroughfares, driveways, or parking lots, except where lots on both sides of a thoroughfare or driveway are used for agricultural activities.
  9. The following are exempt from the above standards:
    1. An open fence enclosing a tennis, basketball, pickleball, or other recreational court may be erected to a maximum of 12 feet in height and may be constructed of chain link fencing.
    2. Fences made of plastic mesh, electrified wire, galvanized steel mesh, chicken wire, metal rails, and PVC may be installed on lots used for agricultural activities.
    3. Split rail fences are permitted along any lot line in T1 and T2.

RETAINING WALLS

  1. Projects should be designed in a way to reduce the need for retaining walls.
  2. Retaining walls over 6 feet in height are prohibited, except in T2 and by special permit.

NONCONFORMING FENCES & WALLS

  1. Routine repair and maintenance of nonconforming fences and walls is permitted.