Fence, Wall, and Screening Guidelines

Working together, we can successfully maintain safety and privacy of your project and our community. We’ve provided guidelines for your fence, wall and screening needs to ensure that you can get the approval you need to get rebuilding.

GlassFire Thumbnail_Fence Walls and Screenings

Guidelines

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Fences (including fences, hedges, walls, or structures in the nature of a fence) must be measured from the finished grade at the base to the top edge. Fences on top of a wall will be measured from the base of the wall.

NOTE  A six-foot fence with two feet of lattice is allowed in an interior side or rear yard setback, and outside of a required front or street side setback. Any fence exceeding seven feet in height requires a Building Permit. If there is a height difference from one side of the fence to the other, the fence will be measured from the lower side.

 Alternatively, a six-foot fence with one foot of lattice can be constructed without permit.


Height Limits

undefined Opens in new windowWithin required front yard setback
36 inch maximum height

Within interior side or rear yard setback
6 feet with 2 extra feet of lattice maximum height

Within exterior side setback
36 inch maximum height

Outside of a required setback
6 feet 2 extra feet of lattice maximum height

Within a vision triangle
36 inch maximum height, with nothing over 24 inches in the first five feet behind the curb line

NOTE: The boundaries of a vision triangle are formed by drawing lines from the point of intersection of a lot’s street corner property lines to points 30 feet along the two property lines, and then connecting the two points with a straight line.

For owners of Historic Properties, see the City’s Processing Review Procedures for Owners of Historic Properties for fence height guidelines with an H (Historic) combining district.

Height Exceptions

Exceptions may be made to exceed the height restrictions through the application and approval of a Fence Conditional Use Permit, provided:

  1. The issuance of the permit is reasonably necessary, by reason of unusual or special circumstances or conditions relating to the property, for the preservation of valuable property rights or the full use and enjoyment of the property
  2. The fence will not create a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic
  3. The appearance of the fence is compatible with the design and appearance of other existing buildings and structures within the neighborhood
  4. The fence is a planned architectural feature to avoid dominating the site or overwhelming the adjacent properties and structures
  5. The orientation and location of the fence is in proper relation to the physical characteristics of the site and the surrounding neighborhood
  6. The fence will be of sound construction

NOTE: Review of fences that exceed the allowed height will add time to your Building Permit approval process. The Building Official shall not grant a building permit for any fence that will interfere with access in case of fire by the Fire Department to buildings in the vicinity, or that will constitute a hazard to vehicle traffic or pedestrians.