Tiverton planners propose tiered fence heights by district in zoning revision

Fence height and screening standards were a substantial agenda item at the Tiverton Planning Board’s Oct. 30 workshop as staff sought consistent rules across residential, waterfront/form‑based and industrial/PDP districts.

Staff proposed limits calibrated to district context: in residential zones, a 4‑foot maximum in the front yard with 6 feet allowed on side and rear lot lines; waterfront form‑based and main‑street districts would preclude front‑yard fences and limit side/rear heights to preserve pedestrian character; industrial and PDP zones would allow higher screening with a working compromise of 8 feet in the front and 10 feet on side and rear yards. The board discussed sight‑line safety at intersections, historic stone walls that should be grandfathered, and the possible inclusion/exclusion of berms in the measurement standard.

Members generally favored a districted approach with the ability to grant case‑specific relief or waivers for projects with legitimate screening needs. Staff will update the ordinance text to reflect the agreed heights, include a waiver checklist, and clarify whether berms and historic stone walls are treated as exempt or grandfathered features.