§ 17.4.27. Fences and retaining walls.

Fences and retaining walls are permitted in every R District and are allowed in conjunction with specific uses as provided in this section.

A.

Measurement of Height. The height of a fence or retaining wall is measured from the point at which the fence posts, wall pilasters or wall footing intersects the ground on the lowest side of the wall or fence to the top of the wall or fence directly above. Where a fence is built on top of a retaining wall, the combined fence/wall height is measured from the unretained ground at the outside face of the combined fence/retaining wall.

B.

Height Restrictions. The maximum fence or retaining wall height in a required yard or setback area is as follows:

1.

Fence. No fence in any location may exceed six feet, except for sports court fences and except for de minimus variances relating to minor variations in the underlying terrain. A fence located within five feet of a property line/right-of-way boundary with street frontage must be constructed completely of an open material, such as lattice or wrought iron, and shall not exceed a height of four feet. Additionally, landscaping for a solid or partly solid fence in the specified setback areas shall be required as provided in Section 17.17.1.

2.

Retaining Wall. A retaining wall shall be limited to four feet if it is: (1) within ten feet of any property line; or (2) in the minimum required yard setback for the subject lot, whichever is greater. Elsewhere, a retaining wall shall be no higher than eight feet. Retaining walls and fences may be further limited in height, location or use of materials based on required vehicle sight distance or right-of-way requirements, and if subject to design review under Chapter 17.30 of this title.

3.

Fence and Retaining Wall Combinations. The height of a combined retaining wall and fence shall conform to the height limits of Subsection 17.4.27.B.2. and other requirements of Subsection 17.4.27.B.1.

4.

Minimum Separation Requirements. Unless there is a minimum horizontal separation of at least four feet between individual retaining walls or fences and retaining walls, a grouping of walls and a grouping of one or more walls and fences shall be seen as a single structure for determining height limits set forth in this section.

(Ord. 02-03 § 8; Ord. 00-2 § 6; Ord. 99-5 § 2 Exh. A (part))

(Ord. No. 14-04 , § 2(exh. A), 5-20-14)