The Moraine Planning Commission on Aug. 19 recommended several related zoning text amendments to city council to clarify fence standards and accessory‑structure rules across residential, agricultural, business and industrial districts.

The amendments (TA‑02‑2025, TA‑03‑2025 and TA‑04‑2025) update MCO sections to: require building permits for fences taller than 6 feet; prohibit spiral barbed wire citywide while retaining a three‑strand barbed‑wire allowance in industrial zones; require that fences not display heavy rust or damage; permit battery‑charged fencing in nonresidential and agricultural districts only when a zoning permit is granted and in compliance with Ohio Revised Code provisions added in 2022; and add explicit rules for corner lots, double‑frontage lots and reverse‑corner lots so fences are not placed directly on sidewalks or street lot lines.

Staff told commissioners the changes reflect Ohio building‑code requirements, align the ordinance text with state rules and address safety and visibility concerns along sidewalks and bike corridors. Commissioners noted some city‑owned fences will become noncompliant under the new standard and urged the city to repair its own properties promptly.

The formal votes: The commission voted to recommend the fence amendment (TA‑02‑2025), the accessory‑building standards for residential/agricultural districts (TA‑03‑2025), and accessory‑building standards for business/industrial districts (TA‑04‑2025) to council. Staff said preexisting fences and barbed‑wire installations would be grandfathered; repairs following accidental damage would be allowed without requiring a new permit.

Why it matters: The changes standardize how fences and accessory structures are regulated citywide, clarify permit requirements, and give staff authority to require setbacks from sidewalks and rights‑of‑way in business and industrial areas to protect visibility and public safety.

Ending: The commission forwarded the package to council; council will determine final adoption and may set timelines for compliance and city remediation of public‑property fences.