Committee forwards electrified-fence zoning changes allowing taller perimeter electrified fences in setbacks
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Summary
Staff presented amendments to allow electrified perimeter fences up to 10 feet to be located in required yard setbacks alongside standard perimeter fencing; the committee forwarded the ordinance to first reading with clarifications about setbacks and safety requirements.
Staff presented a proposed text amendment to the zoning code that would allow electrified perimeter fences up to 10 feet tall to be located within required yard setbacks when they meet the city's perimeter-fencing regulations and added a new definition of —electrified fence.—
The presenter said the change responds to a local business's request for modern security measures after theft and trespass incidents. Under the current code, ordinary fences up to 6 feet are allowed in setbacks but an electrified fence taller than 6 feet could not be in the setback; the proposed change allows a 10-foot electrified fence to share the setback area with the ordinary perimeter fence instead of creating a —dead zone— between fences. The amendment includes a definition of electrified fence and retains other perimeter-fencing controls.
Committee members asked whether multiple fences must be maintained, whether electrified fences have minimum clearance from the ground, whether any electrified fences currently exist in the city and whether any applications had been denied. Staff said existing electrified fences in the city appear limited (staff was aware of one business that brought the request), that the code retains safety and perimeter requirements and that staff are not aware of prior denials. The planning commission recommended approval and the committee moved the ordinance forward for council first reading.
