HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 08 27 Regular 600 Fence Height Limitations
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 600
August 27,2007
Meeting
Consent
Information
Public Hearin2:
Re2:ular X
Mgr. ~ /Dept. ~
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REQUEST: Community Development Department requests that the Commission consider and
provide direction regarding the existing fence height limitations set forth within
Section 6-190 of the City Code
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to request that the Commission consider and
provide direction concerning allowing 6' high fences and walls in the front yards
of houses where horses are allowed by the City Code.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS:
Chapter 6, Article VIII. Fences, Walls, and Hedges
CONSIDERATIONS: Chapter 6 of the City Code regulates fences, walls, and hedges. It sets
forth appropriate materials (Sec. 6-187); allows for barbed wire and fabric fences where horses
are allowed (Sec. 6-188); allows for barbed wire above 6' in height where security fences are
permitted - with building official approval (Sec. 6-189); limits fence and wall heights to 8'
along side and rear lot lines, except that it limits the heights to 4' tall forward of the
building line (Sec. 6-190); provides for line of sight at intersections (Sec. 6-191); and requires at
least a 3" setback from the property line (Sec. 6-193). The "building line" is a line parallel to the
front-most portion of the wall of the principal structure on a lot. The "building line" may be
behind the front building setback line, as houses in most parts of the City are not required to
build all the way up to the setback line. The 4 foot maximum fence height in front of the
building line rule is fairly typical and is by no means unique to Winter Springs.
Staff has received a request to increase the front yard fence height in areas where horses are
allowed (e.g. RC-I & RU zoning districts). Staff notes that horses, donkeys, and cattle are
typically kept within 3 to 5 strand barbed wire fences of approximately 4' height. Taller fences
placed in front of the building line are more likely to create conflict with the City's aesthetic
character and requirements.
August 27, 2007
Regular Agenda Item 600
Page 2
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Commission review the request and
provide direction to maintain the existing front yard fence or wall height. Staff believes that
increasing the allowable height in front of residences will be detrimental to the City's overall
aesthetic quality and represent a degradation of the City's aesthetic standards.
COMMISSION ACTION:
2