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Commission backs fence-code changes, exempts masonry screen walls from administrative review
Summary
Toquerville planning staff proposed code changes to require administrative review for fences citywide while removing the survey requirement and narrowing staff review to height, setback, design and visibility concerns; the commission recommended the ordinance with an explicit exception that CMU/masonry screen walls remain subject to building permits.
The Toquerville Planning Commission on June 10 recommended approval of proposed fencing-code changes that will require administrative review for most fence installations while keeping masonry screen walls on a building-permit track.
Staff said the rewrite clarifies that the code applies to all fences citywide (not just subdivision fences), removes the mandatory survey requirement to reduce cost for applicants, and limits the scope of administrative review to height, setback, design and visibility-triangle requirements. "We're taking out the requirement for survey by adopting this," staff said, explaining that surveys often cost "starting at $1,500" and can be a hurdle for homeowners.
The draft also addresses barbed wire (allowed only in some commercial or agricultural districts) and proposes a sight-triangle reduction for corner lots. Commissioners raised questions about inspections, whether existing nonconforming fences are grandfathered (staff: they would be treated as pre-existing nonconforming), and the risk for disputes between neighboring owners when fences fall on property lines.
Several commissioners recommended explicitly carving masonry (CMU) screen walls out of the administrative-review process because these walls typically require footings, rebar and additional engineering. The commission moved and recommended approval of the ordinance amendment with the exception that CMU/masonry screen walls remain subject to building permits and standard building-permit review.
The recommendation will be forwarded to city council; staff suggested the city may later adopt a standard detail for masonry walls in the standards and specifications manual or by a separate administrative action.
