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Commission forwards fence-materials ordinance update to council with provision for evaluated alternatives
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the Town Council adopt an amendment to Town Code Article 13-07 to clarify prohibited fence and screening materials, while adding a condition allowing future alternative materials if manufacturer specs and installation methods meet town approval.
The Prescott Valley Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 11, 2025, voted unanimously to forward a zoning ordinance amendment (ZOA25-001) to Town Council to clarify which fence and screening materials are prohibited, and to allow evaluated exceptions for future alternative materials when specification sheets and approved installation methods are provided.
Ernest Ruby, Development Services deputy director, told the commission the amendment responds to recurring code-enforcement problems in which chain-link or cyclone fences were covered with fabric or plastic that deteriorated, ripped in the wind and created visual blight. The draft language lists disallowed materials including plastic tarps, fabric mesh, barbed or razor wire, tarpaulins, embedded glass shards, wood pallets, plywood, particle board, chipboard and other hazardous or non-durable materials.
Ruby said permitted screening includes solid walls, block walls, wooden fences and chain-link with inserted strips that provide roughly 85–90% opacity. He said code enforcement requested the clarification so staff would have clearer standards when responding to complaints.
Commissioners asked about retroactivity and enforcement. Ruby said the amendment would not be retroactive; it becomes effective 30 days after the ordinance’s second reading at Town Council. He also said code enforcement would generally not proactively remove existing coverings unless they are in disrepair or create a public nuisance.
Commissioner Rutherford asked whether future, more-durable plastic materials could be approved; staff said they had investigated and found no currently suitable fabric with the required UV and wind resistance but agreed that future materials could be considered on a case-by-case basis. The commission amended its recommendation to include a condition that alternative materials may be considered if accompanied by manufacturer specification sheets and acceptable installation methods, reviewed by the zoning administrator.
Commissioner Hewitt moved to forward the amendment with that condition; Vice Chair Ted Erb seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff noted the ordinance is scheduled for council consideration (staff referenced a Sept. 28 council meeting) and that the ordinance will take effect 30 days after the council’s second reading.
No members of the public spoke on the matter during the hearing. The amendment is now scheduled to be considered by Town Council.
