All districts
A fence permit is required for any fence or wall, with a survey showing the location (Section 2.20.C). Heights by district (Section 2.20.F):
- RR, RE, R-1, and all commercial districts (C-1 through C-4, O-1, MRD, HRD): up to 6 feet, but not in the required front yard setback area.
- RA: 6 feet, following the residential rules where a house is the principal use.
- All other districts, including R-2 through R-5, R-6, MR, and RMH: rear yard fences up to 6 feet; side yard fences up to 4 feet, or 6 feet if the fence starts at least 15 feet behind the front corner of the house; front yard fences up to 4 feet and outside the required front setback.
- Industrial districts (LI-R, LI, GI): up to 8 feet, not in the front setback.
Corner and cul-de-sac lots in subdivisions get limited extra allowances along the non-primary frontage, including 6 feet along a major thoroughfare the lot does not take access from (Section 2.20.F.4.b).
Other rules that surprise people: building on the property line requires the written consent of the adjacent owner, otherwise the fence and its posts must stay on your side (Section 2.20.D.7). The finished side must face outward (Section 2.20.D.10). Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited outside the agricultural, R-1 livestock, industrial, and utility exceptions (Section 2.20.D.4, 5). Decorative borders in the front yard are capped at 36 inches and 25 feet of length (Section 2.20.E). Within the corner sight triangle, 25 feet along each right-of-way or 10 feet at a driveway, nothing may obstruct vision between 30 inches and 6 feet in height (Section 2.09.A.4).