11-26-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOV 2 6 200\ CO t wr uooimO . .rc-own request for council action DATE: November 21.2001 ITEM NO.: (f DcpaiimcDt Approval: Name Paul Weinberger Tilk Zoning Administrator Admiaislrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: Zoning Item Description: ListofEibibits tiO 1 -2718 Zoning Code Amendment Section 10.03. Subdivision 15 Relating to Fence Standards A Ordinance B Sample Illustrations C Staff Reports Background Council had requested an opportunity to review the City Ordinances os they relate to fence construction and design. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 17. 2001 and a Work Session on October 4.2001 to discuss amendments to the existing ordinance The Planning Commission concluded the ordinance should reflect amendments that would include standards on fence construction, maintenance and changing the permitted height of “split rail" fences. Council rev iewed the proposed ordinance on November 12. 2001 and directed stall to draO an ordinance that would establish fence maintenance standards. The existing ordinance dinrs not regulate fencing materials or visual appearance of fences. One primary issue noted by Council is whether the City should require property owners constructing fences to locate the ‘Tinished" side of a fence towards neighboring properties. The finished side ofa fence assumes the structural supports face the fence owners property. Fences have been regulated under the section of ordinance tilled "non-Encroachmenis" (Section 10.03. Subdivision IS). Non-Encroachments are items, such as fences, that are allowed to be located within required front, side and rear yard setbacks. Council has indicated that the current ordinance may need revision to fence regulations pertaining to fence construction and to review whether a permit should be required for fence construction. Council hod directed the Planning Commission review fence standards as they relate to height, permits, and other issues. The Planning Commission will be revisiting this issue early in 2002. StafiyPkHMny Comroissioa Recommendation The Planning Commission recommended approv al of the new fence standards. The primary intent of the ordinance rev ision is to require “finished" sides of fences to face the neighbors house. Most Cities require tlie finished side of the fence to be faced cither towards the neighbor and/or towards the public right of way. The proposed ordinance does not change the existing requirements for height and location of a fence, except in the case of a split rail fence. The proposed ordinance would allow fences of no more than three rails to have a maximum height of 48" and rail fences may be 60" above grade w hen used for the keeping of horses.