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Council reviews proposed fencing-code changes to clarify easements, property-line rules and materials
Summary
Planning staff presented an ordinance update to general fencing provisions that adds definitions for obscuring fencing, clarifies property-owner responsibility to verify boundaries (surveying), and allows case-by-case decisions on fences in utility easements rather than blanket rules.
Council reviewed proposed amendments to the general fencing provisions intended to remove inconsistencies and provide clearer guidance to property owners. The amendments add definitions (e.g., site-obscuring versus non-site-obscuring fencing), clarify that property owners are responsible for verifying boundaries and permit installation (including recommending professional surveys when lines are uncertain), and create a case-by-case approach to permitting fences in utility easements rather than a blanket prohibition.
Staff said the changes are aimed at new installations only and will not require removal of existing fences. The planning commission recommended changes to easement language and staff removed prior suggested language that would have shifted city liability; the council and staff discussed enforcement and permit processing through DRC and code enforcement.
