Knowledge Base

Per Section 6-4-6-7(F) of the Zoning Ordinance, fences are not permitted in the front yard or the “street side” yard of any lot in a residential zoning district.  Fences of up to 6 feet in height are permitted in the rear and interior side yards.  Fences in existence prior to April 1, 1999 that do not meet the current fence regulations, and that have not been removed since that date may be repaired or replaced “in kind” (same height, same material, same opacity) (Section 6-4-6-7(D). 

You may apply for a Fence Variation (“variance”) to put a fence in the front or street side yard if you believe that you have exceptional circumstances with regard to:  • noise or safety, • to visually screen an adjacent “incompatible use” (industrial, commercial, etc.), or • to provide a degree of privacy for the rear part of a corner lot.