Chapter 11.115
FENCES
Sections:
Article I. Generally
11.115.020 Side or rear yards.
11.115.030 Clear view triangle.
11.115.040 Industrial use zones.
Article II. Permits
Article I. Generally
11.115.010 Front yards.
No sight-obscuring fence over four feet in height above the finished ground level may be erected within the required front yard of any lot, subject to the provisions relating to the clear view triangle as codified in RCC 11.85.030 and 11.115.030. (Ord. 2079 § 1, 2014; Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.070(A), 2001).
11.115.020 Side or rear yards.
No fence shall exceed a height of six feet in the side or rear yards. A side yard fence may extend to the front yard setback line. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.070(B), 2001).
11.115.030 Clear view triangle.
No fencing or other sight obstruction which constitutes a hazard to the traveling public within the area designated as the “clear view triangle” shall be allowed on a corner lot. The clear view triangle is determined by measuring 10 feet from the point of two intersecting streets along the property lines and then connecting the two end points with a straight line forming the hypotenuse of the clear view triangle. Branches on trees within the triangle shall be removed at the trunk up to a minimum level of seven feet above finished ground level. Shrubs shall be maintained no higher than three feet above finished ground level within the triangle. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.070(C), 2001).
11.115.040 Industrial use zones.
Within one year after development of the first business in an area zoned for industrial uses, a fence or wall shall be installed along the side of any part of the property adjoining an R or C-2 district. The fence shall not exceed six feet in height and shall be of decorative material. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.070(D), 2001).
11.115.050 Prohibited fences.
No electrical or barbed wire fences are permitted. (Ord. 2041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1024 § 11.03.070(E), 2001).
Article II. Permits
11.115.060 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish regulations for installing, constructing, erecting, of fences within the city limits of Ritzville. (Ord. 2095 § 1, 2016).
11.115.070 Permits and fees.
A. Prior to installing, constructing, or erecting a fence, all fences shall have a permit issued by the city of Ritzville clerk’s office or designated responsible official.
B. Application for Permit. Application for permit shall be submitted in duplicate and shall contain the following information:
1. Name, address and telephone number of applicant.
2. Location of building, structure or land where fence will be erected.
3. A detailed drawing or blueprint of the property showing to scale: a description of the construction details of the fence including material type, fence height, any photos or illustrations; a location plan of the fence and its position in relation to nearby buildings or structures and to any lot lines, private streets, rights-of-way and/or highways; and applicable setbacks shown.
4. In the event the applicant is not the legal owner of the structure or property on which the fence is to be erected, written consent of the owner shall be provided in the application for permit.
C. Fees. The fee for each fence permit application under this fence code shall be $30.00. Five dollars of the fence permit application shall be placed in the city’s cumulative reserve fund (No. 112) with the remaining funds to be placed in the general fund (No. 001). The fees will double if installation, construction or erection occurs prior to obtaining application approval.
D. Issuance of Permit. It shall be the duty of the responsible official upon filing of an application for a permit to erect a fence, to examine plans, specifications and other data submitted with the application and, if necessary, the building or premises where proposed fence shall be erected. If the application meets the requirements of this fence regulation and is in compliance with all other applicable city regulations, the responsible official shall issue a permit within 15 business days. The permit is valid for six months from date of issuance. The permit may be reissued within 30 days of expiration for an additional fee of $5.00. A permit may not be reissued more than one time without reapplication and payment of full permit fees.
E. Permit Exceptions. The following actions shall not require a fence permit:
1. Temporary construction fencing.
2. Temporary fencing for emergency repairs or for public safety purposes.
F. All fences shall comply with the city development regulations and the International Building Code.
G. Inspections. Fences may be inspected periodically for compliance with the city development regulations.
H. Maintenance. All fences and accompanying components shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition. (Ord. 2095 § 2, 2016).
11.115.080 General penalty.
Any violation of the provisions of this article shall be deemed a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500.00. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense. All fences constructed without a permit shall be removed immediately at the property owner’s expense. (Ord. 2095 § 3, 2016).