Chapter 17.52
FENCES AND WALLS
Sections:
17.52.020 Permit Requirements And Exceptions
17.52.030 Location And Height Restrictions
17.52.040 Fence And Wall Design Standards
17.52.050 Special Fence And Wall Requirements
17.52.010 Purpose:
This chapter provides regulations for the installation, construction, and placement of fences on private property. For the purposes of this title, the term "fence" includes fences or walls. It is the intent of this chapter to regulate the height and location of fences to provide light, air, and privacy without obstructing views, to establish buffers between different land uses, and to safeguard against visual obstructions at the intersections of streets and/or driveways. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)
17.52.020 Permit Requirements And Exceptions:
Unless otherwise listed as exempt below, administrative design review shall be required for fences and walls. Fences and walls may be reviewed as part of an associated project. The following fences and walls are exempt from land use or development permit approval: The provisions of this section shall not apply to a fence or wall required by any law or regulation of the city (including temporary construction site fencing), state, or any state agency (including the board of education). (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)
17.52.030 Location And Height Restrictions:
A. Location: Fences or walls may not block an approved drainage system or existing surface water runoff pattern.
B. Maximum Allowed Heights: Fences and walls shall not exceed the maximum heights shown in table 17.52-1 of this section.
|
Location Of Fence/Wall |
Maximum Height1 |
|---|---|
|
Front setbacks or 15 feet, whichever is greater |
3 feet |
|
Rear and side setbacks >15 feet from front setback |
6 feet |
|
At intersections of streets, alleys, within the clear visibility area and driveways |
3 feet |
Note:
1. As part of design review or other discretionary entitlement, the designated approving authority may grant additional height to enclose or screen specific areas or uses or for fences and walls designed for noise attenuation.
C. Height Measurement: Fence height shall be measured from the finished grade at the base of the fence to the uppermost part of the fence; except when there is a difference in the ground level between two (2) adjoining parcels of two feet (2') or more, the maximum allowed height of a fence or wall shall be determined by the planning director. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)
17.52.040 Fence And Wall Design Standards:
A. Fencing Materials: Fences and walls shall be constructed of attractive, long lasting materials such as masonry, stone, metal, or wood (1 inch nominal thickness boards, minimum on 4 x 4 framing members). Masonry and stone walls must have structural footings, and owner shall obtain a building permit prior to construction.
B. Prohibited Fencing Materials: Unless approved as a condition of approval or in conjunction with another entitlement, walls or fences of sheet or corrugated iron, steel, concertina wire or aluminum, are prohibited with the exception of ornamental fences as consistent with applicable design guidelines. Barbed wire fencing shall not be constructed or placed on top of a fence except in industrial areas. A conditional use permit is required for barbed wire fencing abutting residential or commercial uses.
C. Graffiti Resistant Surface: Graffiti resistant treatment shall be applied to all masonry and concrete walls. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)
17.52.050 Special Fence And Wall Requirements:
A. Outdoor Storage Screening: Outdoor storage (including all dumpsters, commercial equipment, commercial construction or industrial related materials and equipment within commercial zones) shall be screened in a manner that is attractive and visually compatible with the principal use andlor structure that it serves. Such screening shall utilize enclosures such as, but not limited to, fences, walls, landscaping, or earthen berms, so that no outdoor storage is visible from any public right of way, parks, public trails and adjacent properties. Screening shall also comply with provisions of applicable design guidelines.
B. Special Fencing For Industrial Use: In industrial zones, company vehicles less than one ton do not require screening and may be parked behind the required landscape area with or without security fencing, as set forth in this division. Company vehicles exceeding one ton that are permitted on the public highways and used in the daily operation of the company may be parked within the buildable portion of the lot without screen fencing.
C. Temporary Fences: Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit the erection of a temporary fence around construction projects in compliance with the building code and other applicable provisions of this code.
D. Maintenance: Fences, walls, and hedges shall be continuously maintained in an orderly and good condition, at no more than their maximum allowed height. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)