§ 8.9. Erection of fences.

(a)

Permits. It shall be unlawful for any person to install, erect, construct, relocate, or alter a fence within the city without first obtaining a permit therefor from the city inspection department. The fee for such permit shall be as established from time to time by resolution of the city council.

No permit shall be issued if the building official determines that the proposed fence does not meet the requirements of this section. A sketch or design of the proposed fence, including a description of materials to be used and specification of height, shall be submitted with the application for a permit. All fences except security fences shall be of a decorative nature.

(b)

Height restriction. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or construct a fence exceeding six (6) feet in height on any residential property within the city.

Fences exceeding six (6) feet in height, in zoning where it is permitted, and fences to be placed around school grounds, construction sites, etc., shall be constructed as required in the Uniform Building Code.

(c)

Electric fences prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, install, or maintain any electrically-charged fence within the city except, upon approval from the building official, for retaining animals as allowed by city ordinance upon proof that the fence will not be hazardous or dangerous to life.

(d)

Barbed wire fencing. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, or maintain any barbed wire fencing within the city except:

(1)

One course of barbed wire may be installed above the top of a six-foot or higher fence located in a district zoned for industrial purposes or on property used for industrial purposes under a valid nonconforming use.

(2)

Barbed wire fences which comply with state statutes may be erected, constructed, and maintained on premises zoned for permitted agricultural uses.

(e)

Fences creating safety hazards prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, install, or maintain a fence which obscures clear view of traffic at intersections or driveways or which creates a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

(f)

Exceptions. This section does not apply to fences in existence before January 1, 1995.

(Ord. No. 499; Ord. No. 944, § 4, 6-2-86; Ord. No. 1088, 2-6-95)