Page 229 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135

DRAFT 135-5. lANDScAPe AND StreetScAPe

Fence and Wall Requirements

except fencing required for buffers (see section 135- requirements of chapter 18 of the city code of
5.9). ordinances.
B. Side, corner Side, and rear Yards. c. Chain link fencing is prohibited in any front yard
1. In the I1, I2, and CX districts, the maximum in any district, except in the P1 zoning district for
height of side and rear yard fences is 8 feet sports fields and playgrounds.
except as follows: 5.13.5 MAiNteNANce
a. The allowed height of any fence in an I Fences shall be kept in good repair and replaced if
district may be increased by 1 foot for they become prone to collapse or visual deterioration.
each 2 feet that the fence is set back from Fences shall be free of rust, flaking paint, and graffiti.
the adjoining property line, provided such
fence does not exceed 15 feet in height, 5.13.6 eXcePtiONS
is constructed of flat or raised seam metal A. Sports Field/Court Fencing, Airport Fencing. Fencing
panels, treated wood or other durable for designated sports fields, ball courts, or airport
materials approved by the community fencing may be submitted as a type 1 design
development director, and is maintained in exception for approval.
good condition with a uniform earth-tone
color. B. Special Circumstances. Where fencing is required
2. In all other districts, the maximum height of any for safety reasons, such as airport fencing, fencing
may be submitted as a type 1 design exception for
fence in a rear, side, or corner side yard is 6 feet approval.
except the following:
a. Fences required for frontage buffers are c. Alternative fence design may be submitted as a Type
2 exception for approval.
defined in section 135-5.9.
b. Where the interior side yard in an N district
is less than 5 feet, the maximum height of
the fence is 4 feet. 1
c. In rear yards in N districts, where the
lot abuts any MX, CX, EX or I district, the
maximum height of the fence is 8 feet.
5.13.4 tYPeS AND MAteriAlS

A. No fence shall be constructed of barbed wire,
concertina wire, razor wire or ribbon, or any other
similar type of wire, except in the I districts or for the
confinement of agricultural animals lawfully kept in
conformance with section 18-4 of the city’s code of
ordinances.
B. No fence shall be electrified, unless all of the
following is met:

1. The fence is electrified by a device approved
by underwriter Laboratories as meeting the
standard for safety of electric fence controllers,
and bears a certificate stated as such.
2. The fence is used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s suggested installation
instructions.
3. The fence is used to confine agricultural
animals lawfully kept in compliance with the
1 Removed the allowance for 8 foot high fences in N
districts.

CITY OF DES MOINES CHAPTER 135: PLANNING AND DESIGN DRAFT 135-5-17