Ordinance 75 Article 10 Section 1008

Ordinance 75 Article 10 Section 1008

Fence Ordinance

8 November 2004

Ordinance #96

Zoning Standards for Fences, Walls and Hedges

WHEREAS, Section 1109 of the Lafayette City Zoning Ordinance allows for amendments to the City’s zoning regulations and standards;

WHEREAS, the City Council duly advertised and held a public hearing on November 8th for the adoption of this ordinance;

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to reduce confusing language in its fence regulations to ensure consistent interpretation and application;

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to promote safety due to materials and manner of constructing fences;

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to promote public safety by maintaining visibility along streets and at intersections;

AND WHEREAS, the City Council desires to promote the public welfare and aesthetics through reasonable regulations and requirements upon fences.

NOW THERFORE, Fences, walls, hedges, and similar barriers, all referred to herein as “FENCE,” are permitted in any private yard subject to the following regulations:

  1. Zoning permits are required for all fences over three (3) feet in height.
  2. Material such as wire mesh, hog wire fencing, straight wire fencing, barbed wire, or snow fencing are not allowed.
  3. All fences shall be constructed with the finished side facing outward.
  4. Fences shall be constructed in a substantially workmanlike manner and of material suited for the purpose for which the fence is proposed to be used. Every fence shall be maintained in a condition of reasonable repair and shall not be allowed to become and remain in a condition of disrepair or danger or to constitute a public or private nuisance.
  5. Fences shall be set back at least one (1) foot from the lot lines. Fences are allowed on the property line only with written permission by abutting property owners; such written permission must be included in the application for a zoning permit.
  6. Fences may be allowed over the maximum height only with written permission by abutting property owners; such written permission must be included in the application for a zoning permit. Any allowance greater than the maximum height is subject to approval by the City Council.
  7. Residential fences in the front yard shall not be over three (3) feet in height. For purposes of this Ordinance, corner lots may have more than one front yard.
  8. Residential fences in the side yard immediately adjacent to the house shall not be over six (6) feet in height.
  9. Residential fences in the rear yard shall not be over eight (8) feet in height.
  10. Commercial/Industrial fences shall not be over eight (8) feet in height.
  11. Commercial/Industrial uses that require a conditional use permit, such as junkyards or salvage operations, may be required by the Council to have fences constructed to certain additional height, material, or location standards to ensure necessary and proper screening.

This Ordinance hereby amends Ordinance #75 (Lafayette City Zoning Ordinance, adopted in December 1990) and repeals Ordinance #75 (regulating fences, adopted in July 1999).

This Ordinance is in effect upon its passage.

Approved by the Lafayette City Council this 8th day of November 2004.

Signed:

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Steve Langhoff, Mayor

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Traci Abrahamson, City Clerk

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