Residential Fencing Standards

All fences and walls in residential zone districts, or on lots containing residential uses, must meet the following standards. Building Permits are required for fences taller than seven feet. 

Placement

1. Fences shall be installed entirely within the confines of a residential lot.
2. Whenever any fence will be visible from the public right -of-way or adjacent property, it shall be installed so that the more finished side (side with few or no visible structural framing or bracing elements) faces outward from the lot on which it is installed.

Height

1. Front yard fences and walls shall not exceed a height of four feet
2. Side and rear yard fences shall not exceed a height of seven feet
3. Corner lot fences shall not exceed a height of four feet for the second front yard
4. A fence may be located on top of a wall, but the combined height of the fence and wall together shall not exceed the maximum height permitted for a fence or wall by itself

Front Yard Types and Materials

1. Fences shall be see-through type fence to avoid vision obstructions. The maximum opacity for fencing in the front yard is 75% (25% of fence must be open, meaning the gaps between boards)
2. Fences may be wood, vinyl or decorative metal
3. Chain-link fences are not permitted in the front yard

Side and Rear Yard Types and Materials

1. Fence may be solid or see-through type in the side and rear yard
2. Fences may be wood, vinyl, decorative metal or chain-link
3. Fences may not be constructed of plywood, woven plastic, metal slat fences or fences made of debris or junk. 

Historic District

For a property located in a Historic District, there are additional fencing standards.