World Fence News

66 • JULY 2019 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Fence ordinances from across the country As part of an ongoing series, World Fence News offers this "snap- shot" of building ordinances which affect fence installations from munic- ipalities across the U.S. and Canada, including those in historic districts, which often have their own special requirements, as well as commerial and industrial districts, for which the same applies. Information is taken from official web sites, but you should consult the appropriate building de- partments for specific requirements. • • • Dallas, Texas When is fence permit required? A fence permit is required to erect a fence or wall over four feet in a re- quired front yard setback or over six feet high if located elsewhere on pri- vate property. What special regulations should I be aware of? Special zoning areas called Planned Development Districts, His- toric Districts, and Conservation Dis- tricts may have unique requirements for fences. If you are not in a special district, the following general rules apply: • In a required front yard setback, fences for single family and duplex uses are limited to four feet above grade. Corner lots may have both street frontages considered as front yard set- backs. • Fences on the remainder of the lot may not exceed nine feet in height. • Barbed wire may not be used for fencing unless it is located six feet or more above grade and does not project beyond the property line. • Fences may not be located in easements. • Swimming pool enclosures have additional fence regulations. Refer- ence the "How to get a Swimming Pool Permit" guide. • All fences must provide fire-fighting access to the side and rear yard. • A fence must not be placed with- in a visibility triangle at street, alley or driveway intersections if the fence is higher than two-and-a-half feet measured from the top of the adjacent street curb. Elgin, Illinois General requirements: A plat of survey showing the loca- tions, dimensions, and setbacks of all existing and proposed improvements is required. If the property is located in the Historic District, a Certificate of Ap- propriateness (COA) is required. Many subdivisions have private covenants and restrictions which su- persede City zoning requirements. The City does not enforce covenants and restrictions. It is recommend- ed that property owners check with the homeowner's association prior to commencing any work. Certain subdivisions do not allow fences in front or side yards. Any yard adjoining a street is considered a front yard. The following restrictions apply to front yards. a. The maximum height for a sol- id fence is 3 feet. b. The maximum height for a 40% open fence is 4 feet. c. The fence must not obstruct the view of traffic at intersections or driveways. d. No chain link fences are al- lowed within front building lines. The following restriction applies to side and rear yards: a. The maximum height for a fence is 6 feet. A maximum separation of 6 inch- es is allowed between the ground and the bottom of the fence. The 6 inch separation is included in the fence height. The posts and all supporting members of the fence must face the interior of the lot on which the fence is located. Fences may be constructed up to the property line. It is the homeown- er's responsibility to determine all property lines. Fences may be installed in ease- ments; however, it is the homeown- er's responsibility to contact all utility companies and the City of Elgin to locate possible underground lines and cables within the easement. The property owner assumes all responsibility for any damage that may occur as a result of the City or utility company working within the easement. Fences placed within drainage easements shall be installed so as to not impede the flow of stormwater. continued on page 68 World Fence News, Jr. Page Ad 7.25" x 9" PLEASE CENTER IN THE LIVE AREA 50 50 A N N I V E R S A R Y TH

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