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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-239 Fence regulationCITY OF LAKE ELMO COUNTY OF WASHINGTON STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO.08-239 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY ZONING CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING THE HEIGHT STANDARDS FOR FENCING ALONG CORNER LOT SIDE YARDS AND REMOVING NEIGHBORING PROPERTY OWNER AUTHORIZATION FOR FENCES ALONG PROPERTY LINES. SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title XV Land Use: Chapter 154 Zoning Code; Article VII: General Regulations; Section 154.205 by amending the following: 154.205 FENCING REGULATIONS. A. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide for the regulation of fences in the City of Lake Elmo and to prevent fences from being erected that would be a hazard to the public, an unreasonable interference with the uses and enjoyment of neighboring property or are incompatible with existing uses and other zoning restrictions. B. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Section, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Permanent Fence. Fences that are installed in a fixed or enduring manner that are not intended for a seasonal or temporary purpose. Temporary Fence. Fences that are installed and removed on a seasonal basis, such as snow fences, garden fences and seasonal recreational fences, such as hockey boards. C. Permit Required. 1. Permanent Fence. No permanent fence shall be erected without first obtaining a fence permit. Application shall be made to the Planning Director. The fee shall be established by the City's Fee Schedule. The Planning Director is authorized to issue a fence permit if the application indicates that the fence will be in compliance with this Ordinance. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that the Planning Director was in error. The appeals shall follow the procedure outlined in §31.01. 2. Temporary Fence. Temporary fencing that complies with subsection (F) and all other applicable provisions of this Ordinance shall be exempt from permit requirements. D. General Requirements. All fences erected in the City of Lake Elmo are subject to the following requirements: 1. Maintenance. All fences shall be property maintained with respect to appearance and safety. Fences that remain in a state of disrepair for an extended period of time shall constitute a nuisance per §96.03. 2. Face of Fence. The finished side of any fence or wall must face abutting property or street rights of way. 3. Fence Materials. Permitted fence materials shall be limited to brick, stone, wood, wrought iron, vinyl, composite material, steel, aluminum, chain -link, and in cases of temporary fencing only, materials that are consistent with temporary fencing as regulated under subsection (F) 4. Traffic Obstruction. No fence or wall shall obstruct a motorist's or a pedestrian's safe view from the driveway or street. 5. Location. a) Fences may be installed on any portion of a lot subject to the height restrictions of § 154.205.E and may be installed up to the property line. Any portion of the fence and all footing material shall by fully on the respective property and not encroach or cross over onto the neighboring property. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to have the property lines identified. b) All pertinent property pins shall be visible upon inspection for fences installed within one foot (12 inches) of a property boundary. c) In the case of a dispute, the City may require a survey to establish the boundary line of a property. 6. Easement Encroachment. An easement encroachment agreement must be approved by the Planning Director or his/her designee after review and approval from the City Engineer or his/her designee, along with a fence permit, for any fence that will be installed within a City easement. 7. Swimming Pools. All swimming pools shall be enclosed with required fencing per § 151.085, E. Fence Height and Design 1. Fences within Front and Side (Corner) Yards. Any fence within a front or side (corner) yard setback or any required setback form a public right-of-way may not exceed forty-eight (48) inches (4 feet.) in height and must be 50% open to air and light. The fence must also be setback 20 feet. extending from the front corner lot pin or ROW. 2. Residential and Mixed -Use Districts. No fence shall exceed six feet (6') in height, and shall be subject to the design requirements of § 154.205.E.3. 3. Commercial and Industrial Districts. No fence or wall shall exceed eight feet (8') in height. Fences that exceed eight feet (8') in height require a conditional use permit. F. Temporary Fences 1. Height and Performance. Temporary fences shall comply with the fence height standards of subsection (E). Temporary fences shall be at least 40% open to air and light. If unable to be at least 40% open to air and light, temporary fences shall not exceed forty-eight inches (4 feet.) in height. The fence must also be setback 20 feet. extending from the front lot pin or ROW. 2. Duration and Limitation a. No snow fence or posts shall be installed prior to October 1, and must be removed prior to April 15. b. Seasonal recreational fencing intended for winter sports, such as hockey or broomball shall not be installed prior to October 1, and must be removed prior to April 15. 3. Location. Snow fences shall beset back at least 50 feet from any south or east property line, or such additional distance as may be required to prevent the accumulation of snow on public streets or adjoining property, as determined by the Public Works Director. G. Prohibited Fencing. Barbed wire and electric fencing are prohibited in platted areas. H. Agricultural Exemption. Fences constructed on parcels in excess of 5 acres for the keeping of horses; and fences constructed on parcels in excess of 10 acres are specifically exempted from the provisions of this Section. Any such agricultural fencing shall be at least 75% open to air and light. SECTION 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo. SECTION 3. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 08-239 was adopted on this X day of 2020, by a vote of _4_ Ayes and_ Nays. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL Mike Pearson, Mayor A T: miLmhnson, C' lerk This Ordinance 08-IM was published on the ! +day of !' 12020.