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Coos Bay amends view‑protection fence rule to allow taller 'open‑sighted' fences in waterfront and downtown zones
Summary
Council amended the municipal code to allow fences over 4 feet in select bayfront, Empire Boulevard and downtown front‑street areas if the portion above 4 feet remains open‑sighted (no more than 25% vision obstructed); ordinance No. 578 was enacted after public comment and council discussion on geographic scope and configuration.
The Coos Bay City Council enacted an amendment to the municipal code (Ordinance No. 578) to allow fences taller than 4 feet in specified waterfront and downtown areas provided the section above 4 feet is at most 25% visually obstructive.
Chelsea, staff planner, told the council the original code limited fences to 4 feet to protect Bay views, but property owners had repeatedly told council that 4 feet provided insufficient security. The proposed compromise removes the absolute prohibition on taller fences in areas along the Bay, Empire Boulevard and the downtown Front/Bayshore corridors while requiring that any height above 4 feet be “open sighted” to preserve view corridors.
During public comment, a resident asked whether chain‑link would comply; staff said chain‑link could meet the 25% openness test but alternatives are acceptable. Councilor Matthews asked whether the 4‑foot base could remain solid and the openness requirement apply only to the portion above 4 feet; after discussion the councilor moved an amended ordinance specifying that fences may exceed 4 feet provided the portion above 4 feet is open‑sighted. The council voted and the ordinance was enacted by roll call.
What’s next: staff will update permitting materials and clarify the application and enforcement process, and the council suggested addressing detailed design or policy questions through administrative guidance rather than re‑opening code amendments.
