A. A fence installation permit is required prior to installing any new fence or wall. Permit fee shall be as set by periodic resolution of the city council.

B. Fences and walls shall have a maximum height of forty-two inches within the front-yard setback line, and a maximum height of six feet anywhere else on the lot. Residential lots one acre or larger shall have a maximum height of six feet anywhere on the lot, provided the fence complies with subsection (C) of this section.

C. Fences, walls and hedges shall not cause a sight obstruction at street intersections or driveways as determined by the city engineer.

Additionally, hedges must be trimmed back to the inner edge of the public sidewalk area.

D. The height of the fence is measured from its top surface, board, rail, or wire to the ground on which it stands. Where a fence is built on top of a retaining wall the fence height shall be measured on the up-hill side.

E. Fences may be constructed of wood, masonry, or wire. All construction is to be done in such a manner as to leave no sharp or protruding edges, barbs, or projections.

F. Fences in nonresidential zones may be allowed up to eight feet in height on rear property lines and side property lines up to a point equal to the closest part of any building on a lot to the public street, provided they do not form a sight obstruction at the street or street intersection or curbs as determined by the city engineer.

G. Electric fences shall be prohibited within the limits of the city unless such fence is used to contain grazing animals in an area where such agricultural use has been established as a nonconforming use.

H. Fences containing barbed wire shall be permitted only in such agricultural zones as set forth in subsection (G) of this section, or in areas where the city engineer has determined that such barbed wire is needed for security purposes.

I. Fences or hedges may be located in city rights-of-way up to sidewalks or up to a point which would leave sufficient space in city rights-of-way to establish a sidewalk; provided, that the owner of property wishing to establish a fence must first obtain a right-of-way disturbance permit as outlined in Chapter 12.36 MMC to construct such fence or establish such hedge in city rights-of-way. Such permit shall provide that the fence shall be allowed by the city only insofar as the city has no other use for the right-of-way which would conflict with maintenance of the fence by the property owner; and, should the city need to make a use of the right-of-way, the owner shall remove said fence or hedge, or portion of fence or hedge, so as to allow the city to make any proper municipal use of the city right-of-way, and the property owner shall receive no compensation from the city for such required removal, it being the understanding that such improvements on city right-of-way shall only be with the permission of the city.

J. Fences over six feet in height and walls over four feet in height require a building permit issued by the city of Monroe building department. (Ord. 003/2011 § 1; Ord. 022/2004; Ord. 1128, 1998)