Fences & Sheds

Fences: Though no permit is required for fencing, there are some rules that do apply. Please check with our office BEFORE installing your fence. Fences and walls may be located within the front, rear and side yard setback areas.

• Fences and walls shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height above grade within the side and rear yards or four (4) feet in height above grade in a required front yard on residentially zoned property.
• Where lots have reverse frontage on a public street or alley, fences and walls may have a height of eight (8) feet or less along the rear property line.
• Corner lots which have rear yards back-to-back may have fences and walls of eight (8) feet or less within the side yard abutting a street.
• When a side entry garage exists or rear yard abuts side yard, then fences or walls may not exceed a height of four (4) feet in height within the required side yard abutting a street.
• A fence required for safety and protection from hazard or nuisance may be exempt from the height limitations of this subsection. Approval to exceed maximum height limitations requires Area/Bulk Variance as determined by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Garages or Sheds:
A permit may be required, depending on the size of the shed. Proper placement on your property is a MUST. Please check with our office BEFORE purchasing your shed.Garages or sheds shall be protected in accordance with City Code unless all of the following conditions are met:

• The garage or shed shall be non-habitable; and
• The garage or shed shall be used only for storage and shall not later be converted to another use; and
• The garage or shed shall be located outside the floodway; and
• The garage or shed shall be located on a single-family residential lot and be accessory to an existing principal residential structure; and
• Below the flood protection elevation, the garage or shed shall be constructed of flood resistant materials; and
• All utilities, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical shall be elevated above the flood protection elevation; and
• The garage or shed shall have a minimum of at least one (1) permanent opening on each wall no more than one (1) foot above grade. The openings shall provide a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for every one (1) square foot of floor area; and
• The garage or shed shall be less than Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) in market value or replacement cost, whichever is greater and not less than five hundred (500) square feet in area; and (9) The garage or shed shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, lateral movement or overturning; and (10) All flammable or toxic materials, including but not limited to gasoline, paint, insecticides and fertilizers shall be stored above the flood protection elevation; and
• The lowest flood elevation of the garage or shed shall be documented and the owner notified of flood insurance implications.