HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Text amendment related to fences ORDINANCE NO. 4052
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
AMES, IOWA, BY REPEALING CHAPTER 29, SECTION 408(2) AND
ENACTING ANEW CHAPTER 29,SECTION 408(2)THEREOF,FORTHE
PURPOSE OF CLARITY AND ORGANIZED STRUCTURE OF THE
REGULATIONS; REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing Chapter 29, Section 408(2)and enacting a new Chapter 29, Section 408(2)as follows:
"Sec.29.408. OTHER GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(2) Fences.
(a) Applicability.These standards apply to all zoning districts except General Industrial(GI)and
Planned Industrial(PI).
(b) Types of Fences. These standards apply to walls, fences and screens of all types whether
open, solid,wood,metal,wire,masonry,earthen,or other material.
(c) Location and Height.
(i) Height in Front Setbacks & Yards. The maximum height of fences in front
setbacks and front yards is four(4)feet.
(ii) Height in Side and Rear Setbacks.The maximum height for fences in side or rear
setbacks is six(6)feet,except as further limited by this section in setbacks abutting
street rights-of-way.
(iii) Height in Setbacks Abutting Rights-of-way.The maximum height of fences in any
setback abutting a street right-of-way is four(4)feet,except that up to six(6)feet
of fence is allowed in any side or rear setback if-
(a) The lot does not abut the front yard of any other residential property along
the same side of the street;
(b) The fence is at least five(5)feet from the property line abutting a street
right-of-way. Within this five (5) foot area, landscaping is required
consisting of one landscape tree for every 50 lineal feet and two high or
three low shrubs for every ten lineal feet of area to be planted.
(iv) Height Outside of Setbacks. The maximum height for fences that are not placed in
setbacks is eight(8)feet,except that in any portion of a front yard fences shall not
exceed four(4)feet.
(v) Retaining Wall. In the case of retaining walls and supporting embankments, the
above requirements shall apply only to that part of the wall above finished grade of
the retained embankment,provided that the finished grade at the top of the wall or
embankment extends at least 20 feet or if the available area is less than 20 feet,the
grade extends to the principal structure.Otherwise,it will be considered an earthen
berm and will be subject to the height limitation for fences.
(vi) Visibility Triangle. All fencing shall meet the requirements of the visibility
triangle as defined in section 29.408(5)of the Municipal Code.
(d) Prohibited Materials. Barbed wire, razor wire, electric, and similar types of fences are
prohibited."
Section Two.Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a simple misdemeanor punishable
as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances,or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict,if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this 14' day of December , 2010
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk H. Campbell,Mayor