Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/514191
WORLD FENCE NEWS • JUNE 2015 • 63 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, includ- ing those in historic districts, which often have their own requirements. This information was taken from offi- cial web sites, but you should always consult the appropriate building de- partments where you plan to work for specific requirements. Dingman Township, Pike County, Penn. This guidance is intended to as- sist a property owner in navigating the various ordinances that regulate fenc- es. The guidance addresses typical sit- uations but is not all-inclusive. General: All fences must comply with the following: A. No fence may be placed in a road right-of-way. B. No fence may be placed in the 75 foot line of sight triangle of a road intersection. C. No zoning permit is required to install a fence. In addition, certain activities that are regulated by the zoning ordinance require fences. The fencing require- ments for those uses may be found in the zoning ordinance. Fence ordinances from around the country Some of the more common ones are listed below. Inground pools: A temporary fence must surround the area from the start of excavation and remain until the installation of the permanent fence. The temporary fence may only be removed when the installers are actively working on the site. The fence must then be replaced immediately at the end of the work- day. The temporary fence may be con- structed of snow fence or plastic con- struction fencing. Prior to the issuance of the certif- icate of occupancy and use, a perma- nent fence must be installed. The fence must be at least four feet high, be of a child resistant de- sign, and have a locking gate. Farm animals (except horses): The animals must be surrounded by an enclosed fence constructed of a means appropriate for restraining the particular animals. The fence must be located at least five feet from any property line or road-right-of-way. Buffer fences: Certain uses require buffer fenc- ing between the proposed use and neighboring properties. When appli- cable, the fence must be of solid wood construction and at least six feet high. Horse ordinance: All horses must be enclosed by a fence no less than four feet high and no greater than eight feet high. The fence must be appropriately designed to restrain the horses. The fence must be set back at least five feet from any property line. Building ordinance: The Uniform Construction Code of Pennsylvania requires any fence that exceeds six feet in height must obtain a building permit from the lo- cal municipality. Township interpretation and al- lowances: Any fence that exceeds six feet in height must be designed using engi- neering practices (i.e., wind-loading, lateral stability, minimum footing depth). Exception: An allowable six per- cent slope (6" within 8') parallel to the direction of the fence will still be considered a fence that does not ex- ceed the 6' maximum height limit and is exempt from building permits. This exception will allow some flexibility for lots that contain typical sloping features. Other considerations: While not required by ordinance, fences should be: – Constructed with the "ugly" side in. – Be maintained and kept aesthet- ically pleasing. – Be placed at least two feet off the property line to allow for main- tenance without trespassing on the neighboring property. Village of Ontonagon, Michigan For the purpose of this ordinance, certain terms are herewith defined as follows: • Adjacent grade – Adjacent grade shall be construed as the average grade measured at a point three feet on each side of the fence. In the case of a fence on a retaining wall, adjacent grade shall be the grade of the top of the wall. • Fence – Any permanent par- tition, structure, or gate erected as a dividing marker, barrier, or enclosure, including hedges or living bushes or shrubs, encircling either wholly or any portion of any area. • Height – The average distance between the top element in the fence and the adjacent grade over a straight section of fence with no corners. • Protective measures fence – A fence erected for the express purpose of protecting an enclosed area and the continued on next page 244 W. State Route 4, Cathlamet, WA 98612 (360) 795-3617 Six Models to Choose From Options: • Loader • Forklift • Concrete Breaker • Post Tamper • Post Puller • Concrete Mixer and Dispenser • Installink Chainlink Dispenser • Auto Post Driver (one-person operation) Seeing is believing - Call today for FREE video or to schedule a demonstration! "The ultimate in boring and fencing equipment." 2-25 TLD-125 30-30 XT