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Beaufort staff proposes ban on electric fences in residential zones; Planning Commission to workshop code change
Summary
City staff presented a proposed revision to Beaufort’s development code at the Feb. 11 work session that would prohibit electric fences on residential lots, citing public-safety concerns after a recent complaint.
City staff presented a proposed revision to Beaufort’s development code at the Feb. 11 work session that would prohibit electric fences on residential lots, citing public-safety concerns after a recent complaint.
Kurt Fries, a city staff member, summarized differences between the existing code provision (2.5.0.6) and a proposed new fencing section (5.8) and said the draft language in 5.8.c.4 would "prohibit electric fences on residential lots." Fries said staff viewed electric fences as a potential public-health and safety concern, particularly for children and elderly residents, and noted the change was sent to the Planning Commission the previous night for review and scheduling.
Councilor Mitchell said she had walked much of the city and had not previously observed electric fences in Beaufort; she told colleagues that code enforcement officer Ken Miola had seen only one example during his nine years and that the owner removed it after a conversation. Mitchell urged that council adopt the proposed prohibition when the ordinance returns to them, saying in part that it would be prudent to avoid potential liability if someone were injured.
Council discussed permitting a limited use of electric fences outside residential districts and asked staff to require clear signage on any permitted electric fence. The mayor and staff confirmed the Planning Commission will consider the full chapter 5 amendments at a scheduled workshop: "They're gonna be doing a 4 hour work session on March 3 Monday, March 3," Fries said, with a Planning Commission vote expected in March or, if needed, April. Staff said the ordinance would return to council after the Planning Commission process.
No formal motion or vote occurred at the work session. Council members directed staff to proceed with the Planning Commission review and to include a signage requirement for any electric fences that remain permitted in nonresidential districts.
