Chapter 17.75 — COASTAL ZONE FENCES

Note: Editor's note—Ord. of 2-22-2011(1), adopted February 22, 2011, repealed the former Chapter 17.75, §§ 17.75.010—17.75.060, and enacted a new Chapter 17.75 as set out herein. The former Chapter 17.75 pertained to similar subject matter. See Code Comparative Table for complete derivation.

Fences are permissible for all residential districts under conditions and restrictions as stated in this chapter. Fences are mandatory for specific uses and shall be erected as required. For those uses already existing, which do not have the required fencing, they shall be considered nonconforming and may continue in operation for an indefinite period of time as prescribed by the section on nonconforming uses. When such uses are proposed for remodeling, enlargement or extension of use, then they shall be required to conform to this section. For the purposes of definition, "fence" means a structure made of wire, wood, metal, masonry or other materials, and includes a hedge which is further defined as a barrier formed by branches, shrubs or small trees growing close together in a line with interwoven branches. (Ord. of 2-22-2011(1))

Regulations for fences in residential districts shall include the following:

• A. Front yards, maximum height above grade not to exceed thirty-six inches except that the fence may be erected to a maximum height of forty-eight inches; provided, that any fence which exceeds thirty-six inches is uniformly open to the extent of thirty-three and one-third percent. "Uniformly open" means that the interstices between the solid material of the fence are evenly spaced so as to make vision through the fence possible;

• B. Rear yards, maximum height eight feet above grade;

• C. Side yards, maximum height six feet above grade;

• D. On a corner lot in any residential district, no fence shall be erected or plants permitted to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between the height of two and one-half and ten feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the lot lines of such corner lots in a line joining points along such lot lines twenty feet from the point of intersection.

• (Ord. of 2-22-2011(1))

• A. Corner Lots. On corner lots which are not reversed corner lots, no fence or hedge exceeding thirty-six inches in height shall be permitted closer than five feet to the side street lot line.

• B. Reversed Corner Lots. On reversed corner lots, no fence or hedge exceeding thirty-six inches in height shall be permitted closer than ten feet to the side street lot line.

• C. Key Lots. In the front yard of a key lot on the side which abuts the rear yard of a reversed corner lot, a fence may be erected or a hedge permitted to grow to a maximum height of six feet up to a point of ten feet from the front property line.

• (Ord. of 2-22-2011(1))

• A. Parking Lots. A solid fence of six feet shall be maintained on the rear and side lot lines where said parking lot abuts or rears on property which is used or zoned for residential purposes and said parking lot is in an ownership separate from the adjacent properties. Fencing or screening for the street side property lines shall be in accordance with the development standards for parking lots in Section 17.76.120 .

• B. Nonresidential Development. The development of any property of a nonresidential nature shall include a minimum six-foot solid fence along the rear and side property lines when such property abuts or rears on property zoned or used for residential purposes.

• (Ord. of 2-22-2011(1))

• A. Electrically charged fences shall be prohibited in the city.

• B. Barbed wire or other sharp pointed material shall be prohibited in the construction of a fence unless said material is over six feet above grade.

• C. Fences which enclose school grounds, public playgrounds, tennis courts, public swimming pools or other public areas which are used for athletic purposes may be erected to a height in excess of six feet.

• D. Corner lots must maintain the present requirements for visibility at intersections. (See subsection G of Section 17.63.080 ). (Ord. of 2-22-2011(1))

Any person aggrieved by the provisions of this chapter may appeal to the planning commission. The appeal procedures are described in Chapter 17.82 .

(Ord. of 2-22-2011(1))