Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/263143
62 • MARCH 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS (Note: Remember that it is the prop- erty owner's responsibility to maintain their portion of an alley or utility ease- ment.) Wood fences shall be constructed using 2-3/8" diameter galvanized steel vertical posts. Posts shall be spaced a maximum of eight feet on center, set in minimum 18" deep concrete foot- ings. Stone or masonry columns are permissible substitutes for galvanized posts. Sufficient ground clearance shall be provided for all fences to prevent premature rot and to allow for property storm water drainage. Fences shall not restrict access to fire hydrants or util- ity metering devices. How do I maintain my fence? All fences must be maintained in good, sound condition. They must be free of damage, breaks or missing structural members. Any fences that show areas of chipping, scaling, or missing paint should be repainted. Areas that are leaning, buckling, sagging or deteriorating must be re- paired or replaced with compatible material. The area at the base of the fence must be kept free of debris and neatly trimmed. What materials can I use? The following materials may be used for front yard and visibility trian- gle fencing: Wooden pickets; PVC (vinyl) pickets; vinyl-coated chain link (green or black); and wrought iron. The following materials may be used for side and rear yard fencing: Wood; PVC; wrought iron; galvanized chain link; vinyl-coated chain link (green or black); stone; Masonry. What about barbed wire and elec- trical fencing? Barbed wire and electrical fencing is only allowed if your property is two acres or larger and the purpose of the fence is to enclose livestock. Addi- tionally, security fences are allowed to have barbed wire strands atop chain link fencing. Cincinnati, Ohio 1. When is a building permit re- quired for a fence? Permits are not required for fence- type structures in excess of 32 inches above grade and not over 6 feet in height and accessory to one-, two- and three- family dwellings. However, when exempted fences are located in a historic district, an ap- plication must be made for a certificate of appropriateness. Please note that permits are required for fences in of- fice, commercial and manufacturing districts. 2. What codes or regulations are applicable? All work performed must be in ac- cordance with the Cincinnati zoning code, the Cincinnati building code, Ohio building code and all other ap- plicable laws and ordinances. 3. How do I obtain a permit? Complete an application for a per- mit and submit three copies of plans for review to the Business Develop- ment and Permit Center. The plans shall include the following: A. Plot plan – Drawn to scale showing: 1. Property lines (and property di- mensions) 2. All existing and proposed struc- tures (for example, fence) 3. North arrow Miscellaneous information 1. The maximum height of a fence in a residential district is four to six feet. 2. The fence should be structurally adequate and constructed on your property (up to the property line but not beyond). 3. The "good" side of your fence may face in any direction (toward your property or away from your property). 4. Electrical, barbed and razor continued on page 64 Fence ordinances from around the country As part of an ongoing and long- standing series, World Fence News of- fers this "snapshot" of building ordinances which affect fence installa- tions from municipalities across the United States and Canada. This infor- mation was taken from official inter- net sites, but you should always consult the appropriate building de- partments where you plan to work for specific requirements. Greenville, Texas When do I need a fence permit? A fence permit is required when you are constructing a new fence or extending an existing one. A permit is also required if 50% or more of an ex- isting fence is being reconstructed or repaired. Cosmetic repairs and maintenance of existing fencing does not require a permit. Where am I allowed to place it? Generally, fences are to be con- structed on property lines. It is the re- sponsibility of the property owner to correctly delineate their property line. The curb line of the street is not your property line. When property line lo- cation is unclear, a survey must be ob- tained prior to commencing construction. How high can my fence be? A fence may be constructed in the front yard, provided that the fence is no taller than four feet tall. A fence may be constructed in the side and rear yard, provided that the fence is no taller than eight feet tall. (Exception: Non-residential fences in the side and rear yard may not exceed ten feet in height.) Fences in visibility triangles may not exceed three feet in height. How do I construct my fence? All fences must be constructed with the finished side facing a public right-of-way, school, park, or other public area. In these cases, the posts and support beams must be on the in- side or must be designed as part of the finished surface. All fences shall provide at least one gate in its perimeter for access. When abutting an alley or easement, one gate shall be installed to provide access to said alley or easement.