Chapter 13.44
FENCES, WALLS AND HEDGES

Sections:

13.44.020  Height limit – Generally.

13.44.040  Hazardous materials.

13.44.060  Height limit – Behind front yard, along side yard – Exceptions.

13.44.080  Height limit – Application to exceed.

13.44.020 Height limit – Generally.

Except as may be permitted under the provisions of ECC 13.44.080, no fence, wall, railing or mature hedge over 42 inches in height above grade shall be erected, placed or planted in or along the side of any required front yard, nor closer than 10 feet to the exterior side lot line of a corner lot. In the case of a corner lot that abuts a key lot or is separated therefrom by an alley, the fence, wall, railing, or hedge shall be no closer to the exterior side lot line than the minimum front setback required for the key lot. [Ord. 2810 § 19.02, 1970.]

13.44.040 Hazardous materials.

No fence, wall or hedge shall contain barbed wire, electrical current or charge of electricity, broken glass or similar hazardous materials or devices except where livestock is to be contained by barbed or electrically charged wire, in which case the fence shall be located not closer than five feet from the property line. Where an adjacent existing fence, wall, or hedge on a property line dividing properties under separate ownership establishes a barrier, then such barbed wire fence or electrically charged fence may be placed on the property line with the mutual consent of the property owners. Fences enclosing storage areas in industrial zones (I-L and I-H) may use barbed wire so long as such wire is located not less than six feet above grade. [Ord. 2810 § 19.04, 1970.]

13.44.060 Height limit – Behind front yard, along side yard – Exceptions.

Fences, walls or hedges located behind the required front yard or along the flanking street side yard shall not exceed a height of eight feet above the ground level, except when used to enclose a patio, swimming pool, garden supply or tool compound or similar living, recreational or storage area or facility; provided, that such enclosed area or facility and the fences and hedges enclosing it shall be considered as comprising an accessory use. These provisions shall not apply to fences required by state law to surround and enclose school grounds, public playgrounds or other public reserve lands. [Ord. 2810 § 19.06, 1970.]

13.44.080 Height limit – Application to exceed.

The erection of fences, walls or hedges exceeding the applicable height limitations within a front yard, side yard or rear yard, but not within the vision clearance area, may be authorized by the building inspector upon the issuance of a building permit; providing, that applicable structural standards are met; and provided further, that the fence or wall exteriors are compatible with those of the primary buildings in the zoning district.

A. An application for permission to exceed applicable height limitations shall be filed with the building inspector.

B. At the time of application, the applicant shall furnish plans, elevations and specifications of fences proposed to be erected, showing exact locations and such other information as may be required by the city engineer. The applicant shall also furnish statements from the owners of adjoining properties, improved or unimproved, indicating approval or disapproval of the proposed fence. In connection with such statements, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to furnish satisfactory evidence that the statements offered are those of the legal owners of the properties involved. [Ord. 2810 § 19.08, 1970.]