Fence Information

139.03  FENCE TYPES.

   (a)   "Barbed wire fence."  A fence made with metal wire have sharp points or barbs along its length.

   (b)   "Chain link fence."  A fence usually made of metal consisting of loops or wire interconnected in a series of joined links.

   (c)   "Line fence."  Any fence erected along the line dividing a lot or parcel of land from a public street or right-of-way.

   (d)   "Ornamentals."  Any fence which is intended to serve as a decoration rather than a barrier.

   (e)   "Privacy fence."  Any fence made to inhibit public view and provide seclusion.

   (f)   "Security fence."  A fence usually of chain link construction and designed to prohibit access to the premises.

   (g)   "Partition fence."  Any fence located along the line dividing two lots or parcels of land, whether subject to an easement or not; or along the line dividing a lot or parcel of land from a platted public alley.

(Ord. 1989-81.  Passed 1-2-90.)

1139.04  PERMITTED USES RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

   Fences shall be permitted in required yards as follows:

   (a)   Ornamental fences:

      (1)   Front yards:  Ornamental fences may be erected in front yards parallel to the building line to a height not exceeding three feet above the finished grade and/or approximately on, the common property line.

      (2)   Side and rear yards:  Ornamental fences may be erected in side and rear yards parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height of not more than six feet.

   (b)   Chain link fences:  Shall be permitted only in rear and side yards.  Such fences may be erected to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height not exceeding four feet the finished grade.

   (c)   Privacy fences.  Shall be permitted only in rear and side yards.  Such fences may be erected parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height not exceeding eight feet above the finished grade. The Zoning Department must have written agreement from the neighbor if privacy fenced is being placed on the common property line.

   (d)   Shrubbery and hedges.  Same as ornamental fences.

      (Ord. 1989-81.  Passed 1-2-90.)

1139.05  PERMITTED USES - COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.

   Fences shall be permitted in required yards as follows:

   (a)   All permitted fences in Residential Districts.

   (b)   Chain link fences.

      (1)   Commercial districts:  Shall be permitted in any required yard.  Such fences may be erected parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height not exceeding six feet above the finished grade.

      (2)   Industrial districts:  Shall be permitted in any required yard.  Such fences may be erected parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height not exceeding ten feet above the finished grade.

         (Ord. 1989-81.  Passed 1-2-90.)

1139.06  GENERAL - ALL DISTRICTS.

   To prevent a visual obstruction, any fence within ten feet in any direction from a point where any driveway, either on the fence owner's lot or the adjoining lot, intersects with the sidewalk, the fence shall have a minimum of 75% open area.

(Ord. 1989-81.  Passed 1-2-90.)

1139.07  RESTRICTED FENCES - ALL DISTRICTS.

   All fences of any type of description shall conform to the following regulations:

   (a)   Fences which are not specifically required under the regulations for the individual zoning districts, shall conform to the following requirements:

      (1)   No fence shall hereafter be erected, along the line dividing lots or parcels of land or located within any required side or rear yard in excess of six feet, or less than three feet in height above the grade of the surrounding land.  No fence may be located in required front yard in excess of three feet in height.

      (2)   All fences, hereafter erected shall be of an ornamental nature.  Spikes, nails or any other sharp point or instrument of any kind on top or on the sides of any fence, or electric current or charge in fences are prohibited.  The top and bottom of all chain link fences on or adjacent to residential areas shall be knuckled to eliminate sharp points.  Barbed wire shall be allowed on top of six foot chain link fences located behind the front face of the building or behind the set-back line whichever is greater in commercial and industrial districts with the exception of lots or lands or real estate used for residential purposes in such districts.  Barbed wire cradles may be placed on top of fences enclosing public utility buildings, or wherever deemed necessary in the interest of public safety in all districts, upon application to and approved by the Wauseon Board of Zoning Appeals.

   (b)   No fence, wall, structure or planting shall be erected, established or maintained on any corner lot which will obstruct the view of the driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection, excepting that shade trees shall be permitted where all branches are at least eight feet above the road level.  Such unobstructed corner shall mean a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting them at points twenty-five feet from the intersection of the street property lines extended.  This shall not prohibit the establishment of shrubbery thirty inches or less in height.

   (c)   No fence other than chain link or any decorative fence with open cross member construction such as split rail, provided such fence has no more than three cross members may be located within two feet of a property line unless by written and recorded agreement in the nature of easement between property owners allowing ingress and egress onto adjacent property to maintain and repair such fence for so long as such fence exists.

      (Ord. 1989-81.  Passed 1-2-90.)

1139.10  CORNER LOTS.

   No fence, wall, structure or planting shall be erected, established or maintained on any corner lot which will obstruct the view of a driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection, excepting that shade trees shall be permitted where all branches are at least eight feet above the road level.  Such unobstructed corners shall mean a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting them at points twenty-five feet from the intersection of the street lines or in the case of a rounded property corner from the intersection of the street property extended.  This shall not prohibit the establishment of shrubbery thirty inches or less in height.

(Ord. 1989-81.  Passed 1-2-90.)