Adding a fence or wall to your property adds character and can be a valuable asset to your home. When planning, keep in mind that your property is part of a larger community. Residential zoning codes have been written to reinforce the safety of residents by encouraging residences that allow for “eyes on the street,” as well as encourage social interaction.
You will need to submit a Fence Permit Application and fee along with a drawing showing the proposed fence location on property. to City Hall.
Fence Permit Form
Applicable Zoning Code:
Chapter 6-3-7, R-1 Single Family Residential District
Sec. 9. Walls and Fences.
(a) The height of walls and fences, including wall/fence combinations, screen walls, retaining walls and freestanding walls, shall not exceed:
(1) front yards, 48 inches;
(2) side yards and/or within 10 feet of the primary dwelling’s front façade, 48 inches;
(3) on corner lots inside a rear yard and within 10 feet of the street right-of-way, 48 inches;
(4) all other areas, six (6) feet.
(b) Walls and fences originated above ground level for the purpose of screening decks, porches, balconies or similar outdoor structures, shall not exceed 48 inches in height above such structure’s floor; unless such structure is located entirely in the rear yard and is not visible from the street.
(c) No fence or wall shall extend beyond the property lines of the property that it serves.
(d) No fence, wall or hedge shall be located closer than six (6) feet from any street curb or edge of street pavement. Fences in front yards may not present a solid barrier to visibility from the street; a minimum of thirty-five percent (35%) of the area covered by the fence shall be maintained free of obstructions to vision. Such clear vision area shall be uniformly distributed throughout the entire fence enclosing a front yard. Such clear vision area shall be achieved through separation of portions of the fence from other portions of the fence, leaving such clear areas uncovered by any material.
(e) The finished side of any two-sided fence shall face the street, lake, park, trail, or other adjacent property.
(f) Chain link, barbed wire, razor wire, hog wire, chicken wire and similar fencing elements are prohibited materials for fences in the city; provided that chicken wire may be used to contain composting areas, vegetable gardens, and poultry and small livestock areas where such areas are allowed.