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4646 Dakota Street SE
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Prior Lake,MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 12, 2015
AGENDA#: 9A
PREPARED BY: CASEY MCCABE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
PRESENTED BY: CASEY MCCABE
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1101,
GENERAL PROVISIONS, OF THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE RE-
LATED TO FENCES
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to consider approval of an ordinance amend-
ing Section 1101 of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance related to Fences.
History
On July 20, 2015 the Planning Commission initiated the review of amendments
to Section 1101, General Provisions, of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance related
to Fencing. The review was requested by city staff who have been discussing
possible ordinance amendments based on comments from residents and busi-
ness owners related to fencing design requirements and location limitations.
The Prior Lake Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 21,
2015 and recommended approval of amendments to Section 1101 of the Prior
Lake Zoning Ordinance subject to two amendments:
1. Although Subsection 1101.504 (2) b. of the proposed ordinance amendments
allows barbed wire fencing in the Agricultural Use District if the fence is used
to fence livestock, the Planning Commission felt this language should be
added to Subsection 1101.504 (3) related to fences in the Agricultural Use
District; and
2. The proposed ordinance amendments presented to the Planning Commission
required chain link fences within the "C" Use Districts to be coated with vinyl
and did not require chain link fences within the "I" Use Districts to be coated
with vinyl. The Planning Commission felt all chain link fences within the "C"
and "I" Use Districts should be coated with vinyl.
Staff has revised the attached ordinance language to incorporate the recommen-
dations of the Planning Commission.
Current Circumstances
Staff has reviewed fencing requirements from area communities and, with the
assistance of the City Attorney's Office, has prepared amendments to the zoning
ordinance for City Council review.
Below is a summary of the proposed zoning ordinance amendments:
✓ The City of Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance currently addresses fencing in
residential areas; however, the zoning ordinance does not address fenc-
ing requirements for commercial, industrial and agricultural areas. Staff
has proposed amendments which would establish standards for fencing
in all use districts.
Staff has received many inquiries to install chain link fencing or 6 foot pri-
vacy fencing in a side yard abutting a street. Previous ordinance interpre-
tations have been that a corner lot has two front yards, which does not
allow for chain link or privacy fencing in the side yard abutting street. The
proposed ordinance language will clarify a corner lot has a front yard and
a side yard abutting a street, which would allow for chain link and privacy
fencing in the side yard abutting a street.
• To provide clarity regarding front yard fence location, language was added
to allow a fence or wall exceeding 4 feet in height to be located behind the
front corner of the principal building or behind the rear corner of a de-
tached accessory structure, in the event a detached accessory structure
is located in front of the principal building.
• Language was added to clarify fences, walls and footings shall be located
entirely upon the private property for which the permit has been issued.
• Language was added to clarify property owners are responsible for the
costs associated with removing or relocating fences and walls which are
located within drainage or utility easements when the city or utility compa-
nies require access.
Language was added to maintain an adequate sight visibility triangle
when a fence in a side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street abuts
an adjacent properties front yard.
• The corner lot requirements were amended to allow for the same stand-
ards on all corner lots. Previously separate standards were in place for
corner lots along a collector street.
y Language was added to require the finished side of the fence to face to
the outside, or away from the property being fenced, toward abutting prop-
erty or street right of way.
Maintenance language was added to ensure fences and walls are main-
tained in good condition.
Conclusion
The proposed ordinance amendments will provide for more fencing options and
an opportunity for residents to fence in a larger portion of their property. The pro-
posed amendments will also establish criteria for commercial and industrial fenc-
ing in Prior Lake.
The proposed amendments identify an application and approval process; general
requirements for all fences and walls; specific requirements for fences and walls
in the Agricultural ("A"), Residential ("R") and Transitional Town Center ("TC-T")
Use Districts; specific requirements for fences and walls in the Commercial/Busi-
ness ("C") and Industrial ("I") Use Districts; and specific requirements for fences
and walls in the Town Center ("TC") Use District.
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT FINDINGS:
Section 1108.600 of the Zoning Ordinance states:
1108.600 POLICY FOR AMENDMENTS. Recommendations of the Planning Com-
mission and final determinations of the City Council shall be supported by findings
addressing the relationship of the proposed amendment to the following policies.
In the case of amendments to the formal text of this Ordinance:
There is a public need for the amendment, or
The amendment will accomplish one or more of the purposes of this Or-
dinance, the Comprehensive Plan or other adopted plans or policies of
the City, or
The adoption of the amendment is consistent with State and/or federal
requirements.
1. There is a public need for the amendments.
City staff has received a number of questions from residents related to zoning
ordinance requirements for fencing materials and limitations on the fence lo-
cation, specifically in a side yard abutting a street. Staff feels it is time to
evaluate amendments to the zoning ordinance due to changes in fence type,
design and durability and to ensure Prior Lake's ordinance requirements are
in line with those of neighboring communities.
2. The amendment will accomplish one or more of the purposes of this
Ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan, or other adopted plans or policies
of the City.
The proposed amendments meet these purposes of the Zoning Ordinance:
Protect the residential, business, industrial and public areas of the commu-
nity and maintain their stability.
Promote the most appropriate and orderly development of the residential,
business, industrial, public land and public areas.
Enhance the aesthetic character and appearance of the City.
3. The adoption of this amendment is consistent with State and/or federal
requirements.
These amendments are consistent with state and federal requirements.
The Prior Lake Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 21,
2015 and recommended approval of amendments to Section 1101 of the Prior
Lake Zoning Ordinance, subject to two amendments detailed above, which have
been incorporated into the proposed amendments.
Based upon the findings set forth in this report and the recommendation of the
Planning Commission, staff recommends approval of the Ordinance amending
Section 1101 of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance related to fencing.
ISSUES: When the Council considers ordinance amendments, staff generally provides a
`redline' copy of the ordinance indicating the revisions that are being proposed.
Due to the extensive amount of proposed revisions and changes in formatting,
which resulted in a large amount of `redline' amendments, staff has attached a
clean copy of the current Subsection 1101.504 (Attachment 1) and a clean copy
of the proposed amendments to Subsection 1101.504 (Attachment 2) for com-
parison.
FINANCIAL No financial impacts are anticipated with the proposed ordinance amendments.
IMPACT:
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Motion and a second approving an Ordinance amending Section 1101 of the
Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance related to fencing, as proposed or further
amended by the City Council.
2. Motion and a second approving a Resolution adopting the Summary of Ordi-
nance and ordering the publication of said summary.
3. Motion and a second denying the proposed Ordinance amendments to Sec-
tion 1101 of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance related to fencing based on
specific findings.
4. Motion and a second to table or continue discussion of the item for a specific
purpose.
RECOMMENDED Alternatives No. 1 and No. 2
MOTION:
ATTACHMENT: 1. Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance Subsection 1101.504 (current)
2. Amendments to Subsection 1101.504 (proposed)
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4646 Dakota Street SE
41/Ar sols' Prior Lake, MN 55372
RESOLUTION 15-xxx
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 115- AND ORDERING THE
PUBLICATION OF SAID SUMMARY
Motion By: Second By:
WHEREAS, In accordance with Minnesota Statute, the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding
amendments to Section 1101, General Provisions, of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance on September
21, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the Planning Commission,city staff
reports and others pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance amendments; and
WHEREAS, On October 12,2015 the City Council adopted Ordinance 115- amending Section 1101 of the Prior
Lake Zoning Ordinance related to Fences;and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes requires publication of an Ordinance in the official newspaper before it becomes
effective;and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes also allows the publication of a summary of an ordinance if the City Council finds that
the summary is an accurate representation of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, The City Council desires to publish a summary of the amendments to Sections 1101 of the Prior Lake
Zoning Ordinance related to Fences and has determined the publication of a summary of this ordinance
will meet the intent of the statute.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA as
follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. Ordinance No. 115- is lengthy.
3. The text of summary of Ordinance No. 115- ,attached hereto as Exhibit A,conforms to M.S.§331A.01, Subd.
10, and is approved, and publication of the title and summary of the Ordinance will clearly inform the public of the
intent and effect of the Ordinance.
4. The title and summary shall be published once in the Prior Lake American in a body type no smaller than brevier
or eight-point type.
5. A complete text of the newly amended Zoning Ordinance will be available for inspection at City Hall or in the
Document Center on the City of Prior Lake Website after October 12,2015.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2015.
VOTE Hedberg Keeney McGuire Morton Thompson
Aye ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Nay ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Abstain ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Absent ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Frank Boyles, City Manager
Exhibit A
SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 115-xx
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1101, GENERAL PROVISIONS, OF THE
PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO FENCES AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE
PART 1 WHICH,AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAINS PENALTY PROVISIONS
The following is only a summary of Ordinance No. 115- . The full text will available for public inspection after
September 28, 2015 by any person during regular office hours at City Hall or in the Document Center on the City
of Prior Lake Website.
SUMMARY: The Ordinance deletes Subsection 1101.504 of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance in its entirety and
replaces with Subsection 1101.504 identifying an application and approval process; general requirements for all
fences and walls; specific requirements for fences and walls in the Agricultural ("A"), Residential ("R") and
Transitional Town Center ("TC-T") Use Districts; specific requirements for fences and walls in the '
Commercial/Business("C")and Industrial("I") Use Districts; and specific requirements for fences and walls in the
Town Center("TC") Use District.
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 12th Day of October, 2015.
ATTEST:
Frank Boyles, City Manager Kenneth L. Hedberg, Mayor
Summary Ordinance to be published in the Prior Lake American on the 24th day of October, 2015.
2
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Prior Lake, MN 55372
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CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO. 115-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1101, GENERAL PROVISIONS, OF THE
PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO FENCES AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE
PART 1 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAINS PENALTY PROVISIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
1. Subsection 1101.504 of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
1101.504 Fences and Walls. Fences and walls are subject to the provisions in this subsection. For the
purposes of this subsection, the"height"of a fence or wall shall be measured from the ground level to
the top of the fence or wall section; if a fence or wall has variable heights the average height of the
fence or wall shall be the fence or wall"height".
(1) Permit Required.A permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of any fence or wall as follows:
a. A zoning permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of a fence or wall less than seven(7)
feet in height. A site plan showing the location of the fence in relation to the property lines
and structures shall be submitted with the permit application.
b. A building permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of a fence or wall seven (7)feet in
height or more. A fence or wall seven(7)feet in height or more shall be considered a structure
and shall meet all Minnesota State Building Code requirements for a structure.
c. Applications shall be on a form furnished by the City and shall be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator or his/her designee.
d. The Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall review the application for compliance with
this subsection and for the effect of the fence or wall on the public health, safety and welfare.
The Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall either(i) issue the permit; or(ii)deny the
permit, informing the applicant in writing of the reasons for denial.
e. Any person aggrieved by the issuance or denial of a permit under this subsection may appeal
the decision of the Zoning Administrator pursuant to City Code subsection 1109.300.
(2) All Fences and Walls.All fences and walls shall comply with the following requirements:
a. Fence posts may extend no more than eight(8) inches above the height limit of a fence.
b. Barbed wire and other materials that are deemed by the City to be dangerous or hazardous,
including electric fences or razor wire, are not allowed except in Agricultural Use Districts if
the fence is used to fence livestock.
c. Temporary snow fences including accompanying posts and supports shall be permitted in
any yard only from November 1st to April 1st.
d. No fence or wall shall be permitted which is not in compliance with Subsection 1101.506.
e. No fence or wall shall be constructed above a height of 30 inches within any sight area
abutting any driveway, which area is described as follows: Side 1 which begins at the point
of intersection of the existing curb line of the street (or pavement edge if no curb) and the
driveway and extends 25 feet along the edge of the street away from the driveway; Side 2
which begins at the point of intersection of the existing curb line of the street(or pavement
edge if no curb)and the driveway and extends 25 feet along the length of the driveway; and
Side 3 connecting the end points of the two sides described above. (see example below)
Street Side 1-75 fe--'
1 Side 2-25 feet
<,rLot Lot
Side 3
House House
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f. The finished side of the fence or wall(having no structural supports)must face to the outside
(away from the property being fenced)toward abutting property or street right of way.
g. A fence or wall greater than six(6)feet in height which is located in any side yard, rear yard
or side yard abutting street shall have a minimum 90 percent opacity, leaving a maximum of
ten (10) percent open for the passage of air and light. A fence or wall located in a front yard
shall have a maximum 50 percent opacity, leaving a minimum of 50 percent open for the
passage of air and light.
h. Fences and walls, including footings, shall be located entirely upon the private property for
which the zoning permit or building permit has been issued. All fences and walls shall
maintain a one(1)foot setback from trails and sidewalks.
No fence or wall may be located in any public right of way or public easement except by written
permission of the City Engineer. Fences or walls within easements shall not impede the flow
of water. If a fence or wall is located in a public easement or public right of way the fence or
wall may be removed and disposed of by the City at the expense of the property owner.
j. Every fence and wall shall be constructed in a substantial, workmanlike manner and of
substantial material reasonably suited for the purpose for which the fence or wall is
proposed to be used. All fences and walls are to be maintained in good condition and in a
vertical position, and any missing or deteriorated wood slats, pickets, other fencing material,
or structural elements shall be replaced in a timely manner with the same quality of material
and workmanship so as not to be unsightly or present harmful health or safety conditions.
k. On a corner lot or a through lot,which have two or more"front yards",the Zoning Administrator
or his/her designee shall designate the front yard,side yard, rear yard and side yard abutting
a street, as may be appropriate, for purposes of application of this subsection to the
Page 2 of 4
installation of a fence or wall. In making this determination,the Zoning Administrator or his/her
designee may,but is not required,to consider the alignment of an attached garage and/or the
alignment of the main entrance of the principal structure.
(3) Fences and Walls in Agricultural ("A"), Residential ("R") and Transitional Town Center (TC-T) Use
Districts. In addition to the requirements of Subsection 1101.504 (2), all fences and walls within
agricultural, residential and transitional town center use districts shall comply with the following
requirements:
a. A fence or wall located in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street shall not
exceed six(6)feet in height except as follows:
> A fence or wall, not exceeding eight(8)feet in height, is allowed if placed in any side
yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street which abuts a principal or minor arterial
road.
> A fence or wall, not exceeding eight(8)feet in height, is allowed if placed in any side
yard or rear yard which separates a commercial or industrial use from a residential
use or from a school,church or public building.
b. A fence or wall not exceeding four(4)feet in height may be located in a front yard. Fences in
the front yard shall be limited to decorative fences,such as picket fences,split rail fences and
decorative iron fences. Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard.
c. A fence or wall exceeding four(4)feet in height shall be located behind the front corner of the
principal building. In the event a detached accessory structure is located in front of the
principal building, a fence or wall exceeding four(4)feet in height may be located behind the
rear corner of the detached accessory structure.
d. Chain link fences shall only be permitted in a side yard, rear yard and side yard abutting a
street and shall not exceed six(6)feet in height. All chain link fences must have a top rail and
vertical posts must be spaced at intervals not to exceed ten(10)feet.
e. Residential swimming pool fencing shall comply with Section 403 of the Prior Lake City Code.
f. Where a fence or wall is used as part of an animal kennel or run, it may not exceed six(6)
feet in height, it may not be located in any side yard, front yard or side yard abutting a street
and it shall be located at least ten(10)feet from any lot line.
g. Barbed wire and electric fences shall be permitted in the Agricultural Use District if the fence
is used to fence livestock.
(4) Fences and Walls in Commercial/Business ("C") and Industrial Use Districts ("I"). In addition to the
requirements of Subsection 1101.504 (2), all fences and walls within commercial/business and
industrial use districts shall comply with the following requirements:
a. A fence or wall located in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street shall not
exceed eight(8)feet in height except as follows:
> A fence or wall, not exceeding ten(10)feet in height, is allowed if placed in any side
yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street which abuts a principal or minor arterial
road.
b. A fence or wall, not exceeding six(6)feet in height, may be located in a front yard.
c. Chain link fences within"C"Use Districts shall be coated with vinyl and shall not include vinyl,
plastic or metal slats within the fence.
d. Chain link fences within "I" Use Districts shall be coated with vinyl and may include vinyl,
plastic or metal slats within the fence; including in the front yard.
e. All chain link fences in "C" and "I" Use Districts must have a top rail and vertical posts must
Page 3 of 4
be spaced at intervals not to exceed ten (10)feet.
(5) Fences and Walls in Town Center Use District ("TC"). In addition to the requirements of Subsection
1101.504 (2), all fences and walls within town center use district shall comply with the following
requirements:
a. A fence or wall located in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street shall not
exceed six(6)feet in height.
b. A fence or wall not exceeding four(4)feet in height may be located in a front yard. Fences in
the front yard shall be limited to decorative fences, such as picket fences, split rail fences and
decorative iron fences.
c. Chain link fences are not permitted.
2. Penalty. City Code Section 103 entitled "Definitions" and Section 104 entitled "General Penalty" are hereby
adopted in their entirety, by reference, as though repeated verbatim herein.
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 12th day of October, 2015.
ATTEST:
Frank Boyles, City Manager Kenneth L. Hedberg, Mayor
A Summary of this Ordinance was published in the Prior Lake American on the 24th day of October, 2015.
Page 4 of 4
Zoning Ordinance
SECTION 1101
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBSECTIONS
1101.100: Purpose and Intent
1101.200: Overview
1101.300: Rules of Construction
1101.400: Definitions
1101.500: General Provisions
1101.600: Districts Established
1101.700: Zoning Map
1101.800: Boundaries
1101.900: Uses Not Listed
1101.1000: Land Use Descriptions
1101.1100: Motorcycles
(Subsections 1101.100— 1101.503 and Subsections 1101.505— 1101.1100
were removed for the purpose of this Zoning Ordinance review only)
1101.504 Fences in Residential Use Districts. Fences may be permitted in required yards,
subject to the following provisions:
(1) The height of fences and walls permitted in required yards shall be limited. The height
shall be measured from the ground level to the top of the fence or wall section. Fence
posts may extend no more than 8 inches above the required height limit of a fence.
In the case where the fence section has variable heights, the height of the fence shall
be the average height. Fence heights shall be limited as follows:
➢ A fence or wall shall not exceed 6 feet in height if it is located in any side or
rear yard.
➢ A fence or wall may be located in a front yard if the fence or wall does not
exceed 4 feet in height and 50 percent opacity. Fences in the front yard shall
be limited to decorative fences, such as picket fences, split rail fences and
decorative iron fences. Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard.
➢ Barbed wire fences are allowed only in the Agricultural Use District.
➢ A fence or wall shall not exceed 8 feet in height if the yard in which it is placed
abuts a principal or minor arterial road.
➢ A fence or wall exceeding 8 feet in height may be allowed if placed in any
side or rear yard separating a commercial or industrial use from a residential
use, a school, church or other public building.
➢ A fence or wall may exceed 6 feet in height in any side or rear yard when it is
installed as part of a bufferyard as defined in Subsection 1107.2000, however
the fence may not exceed 8 feet in height.
• A fence or wall in one front yard of any through lot may be at the height
permitted in a rear yard if it complies with all of the provisions of Subsection
1101.506, is used as a rear yard, and the fenced yard used as the rear yard
does not adjoin a yard used as a front yard.
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 li0l/pi
Zoning Ordinance
(2) Where a fence or wall 6 feet in height or less is used as part of an animal kennel or
run, it may not be located in any required side or front yard, and it shall be located at
least 10 feet from any rear lot line.
(3) Temporary snow fences including accompanying posts and supports shall be
permitted in any yard from November 1st to April 1st.
(4) No fence, hedge or wall or visual obstruction of any kind shall be permitted which is
not in compliance with Subsection 1101.506.
(5) Any fence or wall over 6 feet in height constructed as a result of this subsection shall
be constructed of a nonmetallic material and shall be 90% opaque. It shall be
considered a structure, shall require a building permit, and shall meet all Minnesota
State Building Code requirements for a structure.
(6) No fence may be located in any public right of way or public easement except by
permission of the City Engineer.
(7) A fence on a corner lot abutting a collector street shall be subject to the following
conditions:
➢ The fence shall not exceed 6 feet in height along the side street lot line.
➢ The front yard shall be determined by the location of the garage.The direction
the garage is facing shall be considered the front yard.
➢ For lots with driveway access on a collector street, the fence shall not be
constructed within a sight triangle described as beginning from a point at the
intersection of the extension of the existing curb lines of the street or
pavement edge and driveway, and extending 50 feet along the edge of the
street and along the length of the driveway to the garage front. This defines
two sides of the triangle. The third line is a line connecting the end points of
the two sides described above.
➢ The side street shall be designated as a collector street in the Comprehensive
Plan.
➢ A 6 foot fence shall be located behind the rear corner of the principal building
or detached accessory structure along the front lot line abutting the collector
street.
➢ A 6 foot fence shall maintain a 10 foot setback along the collector street in
front of the rear corner of the principal structure or detached accessory
structure.
➢ The fence shall maintain a 1 foot setback from a trail or sidewalk.
(8) A zoning permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of a fence not exceeding 6
feet in height. A site plan showing the location of the fence in relation to the property
lines shall be submitted with the permit application.A building permit shall be required
for a fence exceeding 6 feet in height.
City of Prior Lake
June 1,2009 1101/p2
•
SECTION 1101
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBSECTIONS
1101.100: Purpose and Intent
1101.200: Overview
1101.300: Rules of Construction
1101.400: Definitions
1101.500: General Provisions
1101.600: Districts Established
1101.700: Zoning Map
1101.800: Boundaries
1101.900: Uses Not Listed
1101.1000: Land Use Descriptions
1101.1100: Motorcycles
(Subsections 1101.100— 1101.503 and Subsections 1101.505— 1101.1100
were removed for the purpose of this Zoning Ordinance review only)
1101.504 Fences and Walls. Fences and walls are subject to the provisions in this subsection.
For the purposes of this subsection, the"height"of a fence or wall shall be measured
from the ground level to the top of the fence or wall section; if a fence or wall has
variable heights the average height of the fence or wall shall be the fence or wall
"height".
(1) Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of any fence or
wall as follows:
a. A zoning permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of a fence or wall
less than seven (7) feet in height. A site plan showing the location of the
fence in relation to the property lines and structures shall be submitted with
the permit application.
b. A building permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of a fence or wall
seven (7) feet in height or more. A fence or wall seven (7) feet in height or
more shall be considered a structure and shall meet all Minnesota State
Building Code requirements for a structure.
c. Applications shall be on a form furnished by the City and shall be submitted
to the Zoning Administrator or his/her designee.
d. The Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall review the application for
compliance with this subsection and for the effect of the fence or wall on the
public health, safety and welfare. The Zoning Administrator or his/her
designee shall either(i) issue the permit; or(ii) deny the permit, informing the
applicant in writing of the reasons for denial.
e. Any person aggrieved by the issuance or denial of a permit under this
subsection may appeal the decision of the Zoning Administrator pursuant to
City Code subsection 1109.300.
(2) All Fences and Walls. All fences and walls shall comply with the following
requirements:
a. Fence posts may extend no more than eight(8) inches above the height limit
of a fence.
b. Barbed wire and other materials that are deemed by the City to be dangerous
or hazardous, including electric fences or razor wire, are not allowed except
in Agricultural Use Districts if the fence is used to fence livestock.
c. Temporary snow fences including accompanying posts and supports shall be
permitted in any yard only from November 1st to April 1st.
d. No fence or wall shall be permitted which is not in compliance with Subsection
1101.506.
e. No fence or wall shall be constructed above a height of 30 inches within any
sight area abutting any driveway, which area is described as follows: Side 1
which begins at the point of intersection of the existing curb line of the street
(or pavement edge if no curb) and the driveway and extends 25 feet along
the edge of the street away from the driveway; Side 2 which begins at the
point of intersection of the existing curb line of the street (or pavement edge
if no curb) and the driveway and extends 25 feet along the length of the
driveway; and Side 3 connecting the end points of the two sides described
above. (see example below)
Side 1-25 5 feet
Side 2-25 feet
Lot 7 1 Lot
Side 3
House House
3
a�
I--I
f. The finished side of the fence or wall (having no structural supports) must
face to the outside (away from the property being fenced) toward abutting
property or street right of way.
g. A fence or wall greater than six (6)feet in height which is located in any side
yard, rear yard or side yard abutting street shall have a minimum 90 percent
opacity, leaving a maximum of ten (10) percent open for the passage of air
and light. A fence or wall located in a front yard shall have a maximum 50
percent opacity, leaving a minimum of 50 percent open for the passage of air
and light.
h. Fences and walls, including footings, shall be located entirely upon the private
property for which the zoning permit or building permit has been issued. All
fences and walls shall maintain a one (1) foot setback from trails and
sidewalks.
No fence or wall may be located in any public right of way or public easement
except by written permission of the City Engineer. Fences or walls within
easements shall not impede the flow of water. If a fence or wall is located in
a public easement or public right of way the fence or wall may be removed
and disposed of by the City at the expense of the property owner.
j. Every fence and wall shall be constructed in a substantial, workmanlike
manner and of substantial material reasonably suited for the purpose for
which the fence or wall is proposed to be used. All fences and walls are to
be maintained in good condition and in a vertical position, and any missing or
deteriorated wood slats, pickets,other fencing material, or structural elements
shall be replaced in a timely manner with the same quality of material and
workmanship so as not to be unsightly or present harmful health or safety
conditions.
k. On a corner lot or a through lot, which have two or more "front yards", the
Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall designate the front yard, side
yard, rear yard and side yard abutting a street, as may be appropriate, for
purposes of application of this subsection to the installation of a fence or wall.
In making this determination, the Zoning Administrator or his/her designee
may, but is not required, to consider the alignment of an attached garage
and/or the alignment of the main entrance of the principal structure.
(3) Fences and Walls in Agricultural("A"), Residential("R")and Transitional Town Center
(TC-T) Use Districts. In addition to the requirements of Subsection 1101.504 (2), all
fences and walls within agricultural, residential and transitional town center use
districts shall comply with the following requirements:
a. A fence or wall located in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a
street shall not exceed six(6)feet in height except as follows:
➢ A fence or wall, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height, is allowed if
placed in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street which
abuts a principal or minor arterial road.
A fence or wall, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height, is allowed if
placed in any side yard or rear yard which separates a commercial or
industrial use from a residential use or from a school, church or public
building.
b. A fence or wall not exceeding four(4)feet in height may be located in a front
yard. Fences in the front yard shall be limited to decorative fences, such as
picket fences, split rail fences and decorative iron fences. Chain link fences
are not permitted in the front yard.
c. A fence or wall exceeding four (4) feet in height shall be located behind the
front corner of the principal building. In the event a detached accessory
structure is located in front of the principal building, a fence or wall exceeding
four(4)feet in height may be located behind the rear corner of the detached
accessory structure.
d. Chain link fences shall only be permitted in a side yard, rear yard and side
yard abutting a street and shall not exceed six(6)feet in height. All chain link
fences must have a top rail and vertical posts must be spaced at intervals not
to exceed ten (10)feet.
e. Residential swimming pool fencing shall comply with Section 403 of the Prior
Lake City Code.
f. Where a fence or wall is used as part of an animal kennel or run, it may not
exceed six(6)feet in height, it may not be located in any side yard,front yard
or side yard abutting a street and it shall be located at least ten (10)feet from
any lot line.
g. Barbed wire and electric fences shall be permitted in the Agricultural Use
District if the fence is used to fence livestock.
(4) Fences and Walls in Commercial/Business ("C") and Industrial Use Districts ("I"). In
addition to the requirements of Subsection 1101.504 (2), all fences and walls within
commercial/business and industrial use districts shall comply with the following
requirements:
a. A fence or wall located in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a
street shall not exceed eight(8)feet in height except as follows:
➢ A fence or wall, not exceeding ten (10) feet in height, is allowed if
placed in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a street which
abuts a principal or minor arterial road.
b. A fence or wall, not exceeding six(6)feet in height, may be located in a front
yard.
c. Chain link fences within "C" Use Districts shall be coated with vinyl and shall
not include vinyl, plastic or metal slats within the fence.
d. Chain link fences within "I" Use Districts shall be coated with vinyl and may
include vinyl, plastic or metal slats within the fence; including in the front yard.
e. All chain link fences in "C" and "I" Use Districts must have a top rail and
vertical posts must be spaced at intervals not to exceed ten (10) feet.
(5) Fences and Walls in Town Center Use District("TC"). In addition to the requirements
of Subsection 1101.504 (2), all fences and walls within town center use district shall
comply with the following requirements:
a. A fence or wall located in any side yard, rear yard or side yard abutting a
street shall not exceed six(6)feet in height.
b. A fence or wall not exceeding four(4)feet in height may be located in a front
yard. Fences in the front yard shall be limited to decorative fences, such as
picket fences, split rail fences and decorative iron fences.
c. Chain link fences are not permitted.