[R.O. 2014 §500.430; Ord. No. 1011, 3-27-2003]
A.
FENCE
SIGHTPROOF FENCE
Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following
terms shall be deemed to have the meaning indicated below:
A structure and/or materials consisting of wood (rails or
stakes), wire, masonry, vegetation (hedge) or other similar materials
erected so as to provide a barrier or enclosure along the boundaries
of a yard or lot. Such fence may or may not have openings for sidewalks
and driveways within its vertical surface depending on its construction
and use.
Any fence which substantially reduces the sight distance
for adjacent properties or the traveling public. These fence types
include, but are not limited to, wood stockade fence, masonry fence,
shadow-box fence or thick vegetation (hedges).
B.
General Fence Provisions.
1.
No fence, wall, shrub or hedge shall be constructed or altered to
exceed six (6) feet in height except as indicated in the specific
district regulations as follows.
2.
It shall be unlawful for any person to paste, stick or put upon any
fence or wall within the City any graffiti, painted advertisement,
poster, circular or temporary signs.
3.
No person shall erect, or cause to be erected, maintain, or cause
to be maintained, any fence or enclosure of which any part is charged
with electrical current except as specified in the Agricultural District.
4.
In the case of fences constructed over dedicated utility easements,
the property owner shall provide a ten (10) foot gate for access to
the utility easement. The City shall not be responsible for the replacement
of said fence due to its removal for easement access.
5.
In no case shall a fence be erected so as to enclose or block a stormwater
catch basin, culvert, manhole or other stormwater or wastewater structure.
6.
All fences which do not conform to the provisions of this Section,
but which are in place prior to the effective date hereof may continue
in existence, provided however, that in the event any such non-conforming
fence shall be damaged or destroyed or shall decay to the extent that
repairs thereto are required in an amount exceeding one hundred dollars
($100.00), including labor and materials, then said fence shall be
altered and reconstructed in conformity with the provisions of this
Section.
7.
All fencing must be maintained in good condition at all times. "Good Condition" is hereby defined to include, but shall
not be limited to, replacement of damaged boards, staining or painting
of surfaces, replacement of damaged fencing materials or gates and
removal of rust.
8.
Fence completion shall occur within six (6) months from the start
of construction.
9.
When a fence is facing a public street, the improved side of the
fence shall be oriented to the outside.
C.
Fence Regulation For Agricultural Districts. Electrical
and barbed wire fences shall be permitted in the Agricultural Districts
when used in conjunction with approved farming operations.
D.
Fence Regulations For "R-1" Through "R-3" Districts.
1.
The use of barbed wire, hardware cloth or any other similar material
shall not be permitted as fencing in residential districts.
2.
Except as set forth in Section 410.180 of this Code, residential fences shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
3.
The owners of residential properties shall be responsible for maintaining
said fences and to remove any fence if it becomes unsightly or a menace
to public safety, health or welfare.
4.
On a corner lot, a fence shall not extend beyond the front building
line, as platted, which is parallel to the front of the house. Along
other front building lines as platted on a corner lot, the fence shall
be set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the property line.
5.
On any interior lot, a fence shall not extend beyond the front building
line nor shall any fence extend beyond the side and rear property
line.
6.
Temporary fences may be erected in subdivisions so long as the fences
are removed within thirty (30) days.
7.
Ornamental dividers, plastic chains, posts or like materials erected
along driveways or sidewalks shall not be considered a fence.
8.
Fences shall be erected around swimming pools according to the adopted
Building Codes of the City of Marshfield.
9.
There shall be no fences consisting of one (1) or more strand wires
constructed in residential areas.
10.
Fence materials:
a.
Fences, which are four (4) feet or less in height, may be constructed
of wood, masonry, and vinyl or chain link materials.
b.
Fences, which are greater than four (4) feet in height, shall be
constructed of wood or vinyl materials.
(1)
Chain link and masonry materials may be used if approved by
the Building Regulations Department after evidence has been provided
indicating that other materials are not practical and such fencing
will not create aesthetic problems.
E.
Fence Regulations For All Business, Commercial And Industrial Districts.
1.
Fences higher than six (6) feet may be permitted for security and/or
screening purposes. Barbed or razor wire shall be permitted only if
the lowest strand is at least seven (7) feet above grade and when
used for security purposes.
2.
Fences are permitted on any lot or paved area so long as they do
not extend beyond the front of the building line unless otherwise
approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
3.
Where a fence is constructed to comply with a screening requirement,
all fencing regulations regarding maintenance, materials and height
shall apply.
4.
These regulations shall not apply to fences erected for the purposes
of screening trash receptacles.
