City fence rule changes advance
New fence rules are in the works in the city of Medford.
The city council met as a committee of the whole Monday night to discuss new ordinances for fences and other changes to the city codes.
Current fence rules in the city address industrial and commercial areas, the ordinance expands these to include residential areas.
Zoning district requirements include that all fences shall be constructed of appropriate material manufactured for such purpose and shall be maintained in a condition of good repair. All fences shall be installed in such a manner so that the finished surface (the side of the fence that does not contain any exposed supports or framing) faces the exterior of the lot on which the fence is located. When fencing height requirements for one lot are more restrictive than the neighboring lot, the more restrictive of the two shall follow for both lots. Lastly, no fence except an open face fence shall be erected in the “Vision Clearance Triangle.”
For residential districts, the following revisions include, front yard fencing should not exceed 4 feet in height. Side and rear fencing shall not exceed 6 feet. Within 5 feet of any driveway or street or alley access: not to exceed 3 feet in height, except chain link fences with a mesh of 2 inches or greater, for which the height restrictions above are permitted. Lastly, no barbwire or electric fences, except buried dog containment fences are allowed in all districts.
In commercial/industrial districts, the revisions include: no fencing should exceed 12 feet in height and barbwire shall only be allowed on the top of security fences at heights greater than 6 feet.
Joe Harris, city coordinator, updated the board on projects happening in the city. Electric and utility companies employees are still working as long as they can, because people are still constructing due to the nice weather. Public works team is still doing concrete and asphalt as needed. Waste water is getting an inspection on Wednesday, October 27.
“City insurance gave a refund, with it, we hope to update the lighting on the riverwalk”, Harris explained.
