Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/43031
70 • OCTOBER 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS 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. This information was taken from official sources, but you should always consult the appropriate building departments where you plan to work for specific requirements. City of Durham, N.C. Fences and walls Currently, no permit is required to build fences or walls (retaining walls do require a permit) within Durham city or county limits, unless the prop- erty is located in a designated flood plain. However, there are certain re- quirements in the Unified Develop- ment Ordinance which must be met, concerning height, location, and style Fence ordinances from around the country of fences allowed. When the term "fence" is used, understand that you need to include the term "wall" for the purposes of the ordinance. If the fence is located in the side or rear yard, the maximum allowed height is 8 feet. When a fence is lo- cated in the front yard, the maximum allowed height is 4 feet. As in many things, there are ex- ceptions. For corner lots, fences lo- cated between the primary structure and the side street are limited to a max- imum of 4 feet in height along the en- tire street yard, unless a use permit is obtained from the board of adjustment. If the lot has 2 acres or more, a fence may exceed the 4 foot height POST & RAIL FENCE EQUIPMENT • Tenoners • Dowelers • Pointers • Domers • Gang Drills • Sanders • Chopsaws • Peelers VC-04 Portable Dowell/Tenon Cutter is recommended. limit up to a maximum of 8 feet height without board of adjustment approval if the fence is at least 50 feet from any right-of-way and can be seen through due to the type of material from which it is constructed, such as a split-rail or chain link fence. When the board of adjustment is asked to rule on whether a fence may exceed the limits of the ordinance, they must decide based upon the fol- lowing factors, as well as site-specific criteria: • How the fence affects natural light regarding that lot or the sur- rounding lots; • How the normal circulation of air is affected by the fence; • That the fence will not hinder emergency services to any of the prop- erties involved; • That the fence will be reasonably compatible with and not adversely af- fect the property values of the sur- rounding properties; and • That vision clearances for pedes- trian and vehicular traffic will not be impeded. In certain cases, higher fences and walls are shown on commercial site plans than the 8 feet which is men- tioned by the Unified Development Ordinance. In these cases, the higher walls may be allowed due to site-spe- cific conditions which have been re- viewed by staff with those conditions in mind, and should not be considered a violation of this ordinance. Chesapeake, Virginia Dyna Products 6228 60th Ave. • Evart, MI 49631 888-820-3962 A permit is required to install or replace a fence; (no permit is required to replace 8 feet of fencing or less). The "good side" of a fence must face outward on corner and through lots, and when protecting a pool. In all other instances there is no requirement to face the "good side" out, although it Fences can be placed up to the property line unless there is an ease- ment held by the city or private party. Fences on residential properties can be a maximum of 6' tall. Fences placed between a house and any street can not be taller than 4' unless a special exception for fence height is approved. The zoning administrator can ap- prove the issuance of a special excep- tion permit for a fence or wall greater than 4' in height within the secondary front yard of a residential corner lot. Clarification An item appeared on page 70 of the September 2011 edition of World Fence News which described a gasoline powered earth auger called the E-Z Way Earth Drill. The story also contained a phone num- ber and email address. Due to a company move and changes to the product line, the news article is outdated, and while the company still manufactures a very similar earth auger, it is now powered by an electric drill rather than a gasoline motor, and is being marketed under the name "Earth Drill." Please note that the phone num- ber listed in the story is no longer valid, although the email address - info@earthdrill.net - may still be used. A detailed report on the new machine will be contained in the November edition of World Fence News. In the meantime, use the fol- lowing contact information to reach the company if you are interested in the Earth Drill. Contact Benjamin Sands at BNA Equipment, LLC, 512-698-5068, ben@earthdrill.net.