HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Commission Action Form dated December 16, 2015 ITEM # 8
DATE 12-16-15
COMMISSION ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS RELATING TO FENCES IN SETBACKS
SECTION 29.408 (2)
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ames is requesting two minor amendments to the fence regulations (Section
29.408 (2) of the Municipal Code) and is not a comprehensive assessment of the fence
standards.
The first proposed amendment adds the Research and Innovation (R-1) zoning district to
the list of industrial zones in which the fence regulations do not apply. Traditionally, the
City has not regulated fences in industrial zones, recognizing the unique uses allowed in
the districts and, possibly, a more pronounced need for security. This means that
fencing is not limited in front yards and there is no height limits in the side or rear yards.
In addition, it does not preclude the use of barbed wire or electric fencing.
The second proposed amendment clarifies the requirements for fences along streets.
The work "and" is inserted to the conditions for which a six-foot fence can be allowed in
the side or rear setbacks of a corner or through lot (see Section 29.408 (2) (c) (iii). Staff
has applied both standards previously to requests for fences and this change clarifies
the expectation for customers.
The existing ordinance and the proposed changes are found in Attachment A.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The Planning & Zoning Commission can recommend that the City Council adopt the
proposed amendments regarding fences.
2. The Planning & Zoning Commission can recommend the City Council decline to
adopt the proposed amendments regarding fences.
3. The Planning & Zoning Commission can recommend alternative language for the
proposed amendments regarding fences.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
These changes are minor and may be considered housekeeping measures. They add
consistency to the industrial zone regulations and add clarity to the allowances for
fences in corner and through lots in other zones. Therefore, it is the recommendation
of the Department of Planning and Housing that the Planning and Zoning
Commission act in accordance with Alternative #1.
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ATTACHMENT A: PROPOSED LANGUAGE
Section 29.408 (2) Fences.
(a) Applicability. These standards apply to all zoning districts except General Industrial
(GI), Research and Innovation (RI), and Planned Industrial (PI).
b Types of Fences. These standards apply to walls, fences and screens of all types
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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; and
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.
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