Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/351182
72 • august 2014 • world fence news As part of an ongoing and long-standing series, World Fence News offers this "snapshot" of build- ing ordinances which affect fence in- stallations from municipalities across the United States and Canada. This information was taken from official web sites, but you should always con- sult the appropriate building depart- ments where you plan to work for spe- cific requirements. City of Forsyth Township, Michigan Definitions For the purpose of this ordinance, certain terms are herewith defined as follows. 1. Fence – any partition, structure, or gate erected as a dividing marker, barrier or enclosure, including hedges or living bushes or shrubs, within or along the bounds or a lot or parcel. 2. Height – the distance from the grade (ground) to the top of the highest point of the fence at any given point along the fence. 3. Adjacent grade – the average grade measured at a point three feet on each side of the fence Fence permit Prior to erection, installation, or enlargement of any fence, an applica- tion for a fence permit must be sub- mitted and approved. Regulations of fences and permit- ted installation Residential districts: 1. For all fences the installing or requesting party shall construct the fence with the "post side" or "bad side" facing the installing party's property. This provision shall apply to both side yard and rear yard fences. 2. Fence regulations shall be di- vided up with the zoning district. i. Fences shall not contain elec- trification, barbed wire, razor wire, spikes, nails, or other sharp pointed instruments affixed, placed upon or al- lowed to exist in any manner attached to a fence or part of a fence. Excepting electrification and barbed wire, which can be used in districts where animal husbandry is a permitted use. ii. No person shall install, con- struct, or maintain any fence on ease- ments, rights-of-way or any properties not owned, leased, or rented by that person. iii. Materials shall consist of cy- clone-type metal links and posts, wood components, or equivalent ma- terials, or natural vegetation. iv. Fences on all lots of record, in all residential districts which enclose property and/or within a required side and rear yard, shall not exceed six feet in height, measured from the surface of the ground and shall not extend to- ward the front of the lot nearer than the front of the house or the minimum required front yard setback, whichev- er is greater. v. Fences shall be constructed to allow ample space for maintenance, without having the applicant trespass on the neighboring property to main- tain their fence. vi. Fences up to 4 feet in height may be erected from the front edge of the dwelling to within 15 feet of the right-of-way unless the fence is of chain link, split rail, or other see- through material which can then be erected from the front edge of the dwelling to and along the road right- of-way. Fence ordinances from around the country WORLD FENCE NEWS, THE FENCER'S ALMANAC & WFN ONLINE YOUR MOST DEPENDABLE SOURCES OF FENCING INFORMATION