Section 3118. Fences

3118.1 Location.

A fence may be built only on the property of the owner of the fence. However, if the owners of adjoining property agree to build a fence on the property line between them, they may do so if they both submit, with the application for the permit, a written statement of their agreement.

3118.2 Height.

Except as otherwise specified in this § 3118.2, the height of a fence may not exceed 42 inches (1067 mm), measured on the high side.

3118.2.1 Enclosing dwellings.

Fences enclosing dwellings may be as high as, but may not exceed, 6 feet (1.83 m) if located in side or rear yards.

3118.2.2 Enclosing certain other buildings.

Fences enclosing buildings used for public assembly, private assembly, institutions, offices, commercial storage, or industrial occupancies may be as high as, but may not exceed, 8 feet (2.44 m).

3118.2.3 Special purposes.

For special purposes like protection around dangerous places, highly hazardous operations, in conjunction with electric security, or protection around athletic fields, and in similar cases where a high fence is necessary for the safety of the public, fences may be higher than 8 feet (2.44 m) to the extent specially authorized by the Building Official.

3118.3 Construction.

Fences may be built of any material or construction that is permitted in this Code for exposed structures. However, all fences must be designed and constructed, in accordance with the applicable structural provisions of this Code, to resist from any direction a horizontal force of 20 pounds per square foot, applied normal to and over either the gross area of the fence or the net area of the fence plus 50% of the gross area, whichever is less.

3118.3.1 Wood fences.

The posts for wood fences must be:

1. locust, heart cedar, or any other wood that will resist decay underground,

2. any wood that has been treated in accordance with this Code, or

3. any good timber set in concrete.

3118.3.2 Wire fences.

Wire fences must be constructed with wire mesh substantially fabricated and constructed so as to resist a nominal horizontal load of 500 pounds without deflecting more than 6 inches (152 mm). The posts for wire fences must be metal posts set in concrete, properly designed masonry posts, or wood posts of the type required for wood fences.

3118.3.3 Metal fences.

Metal fences must be of a substantial design and construction approved by the Building Official. The posts for metal fences must be concrete, masonry, or metal set in concrete or masonry.

3118.3.4 Masonry fences.

Masonry fences must be of reinforced concrete or other masonry and must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements governing reinforced concrete or freestanding masonry walls. All masonry fences must extend at least 2 feet (0.61 m) into the ground.

3118.3.5 Combination fences.

Fences that consist of 2 or more kinds of materials may be built as long as all applicable requirements of this Code for those materials and construction are met. The total aggregate height of a combination fence must be used in determining the height limitations for that fence.

3118.4 Sharp points, projections, etc.

No fence may have any projecting sharp points, jagged edges, or other projections that can injure persons or animals coming in contact with the fence.

3118.4.1 Fence tops.

No fence less than 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) high may have any sharp pickets or vertical pointed objects at the top. Barbed wire or other approved retarding material or construction may be placed on the top of any fence that is more than 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) high, unless the barbed wire or other retarding material will create a highly hazardous condition.

3118.4.2 Razor wire.

Razor wire may not be used anywhere in any fence.

3118.4.3 Electric security fences.

An electric security fence is permitted:

1. only in a C-3, C-4, or Industrial Zoning District, as identified in City Code Article 32 {"Zoning"}; and

2. only as long as long as the fence:

a. does not abut any residentially zoned parcel; and

b. is installed in conjunction with an exterior, non-electric barrier fence.

3118.5 Maintenance.

Every fence must be maintained in good repair by its owner. The Building Official may determine the sufficiency of any fence and the amount and character of repairs required to make it safe.

3118.6 Nonconforming fences.

Any existing fence that was compliant when erected but does not comply with the requirements of this § 3118 is permitted to continue to exist and be repaired at any time, unless the fence has deteriorated more than 50%. All nonconforming fences that have deteriorated more than 50% or beyond repair must be removed or reconstructed in accordance with the requirements of this Code.