§ 15-6. Fence construction and materials.

Fences shall be constructed only of approved materials and construction methods and in accordance with Appendix B - Fence Design Guidelines.

(1)

Design and construction.

a.

A gate or other opening in the fence of at least three (3) feet in width is required.

b.

Any masonry fence exceeding four (4) feet in height shall be installed in compliance with a design submitted by a registered engineer or registered architect.

c.

A person constructing a masonry fence (including concrete block) shall make the exterior surfaces free from sharp projections.

d.

Fences shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in thickness. Cavities or spaces within a wall or fence shall not be used for the support, storage, shelter, or enclosure of animals or personal property.

e.

A column, pillar, post, or other supporting element of a fence shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in width.

f.

A person constructing or maintaining a fence or wall enclosure around a swimming pool, hot-tub, or spa shall comply with the minimum requirements of the building code and Chapter 36 "Public Swimming Pools and Spas" of Irving's Code of Civil and Criminal Ordinances.

g.

Metal posts shall be used when constructing new or replacement wood fences. Wood posts may be used for replacement fences when reinforced with intermediate metal fence posts.

h.

The director may require the applicant to provide the manufacturer's standards to establish the intended use of a proposed fencing material.

(2)

Acceptable fence materials.

a.

Fences shall be of rigid construction of approved fence materials and shall be able to support fencing materials.

b.

Material used for metal fences shall be anodized, painted, or powder-coated at the factory.

c.

Fences constructed with boards shall be of species such as cedar, redwood, or other durable decay-resistant composition or be sealed with an approved preservative treatment.

d.

Any stain, pigment, paint, or other surface treatment to a wooden fence shall be materials and finishes specifically manufactured for the purpose of preserving a specific wooden material.

(3)

Prohibited fence materials.

a.

Rope; string; wire products including but not limited to chicken wire, hog wire, wire fabric, and similar welded or woven wire fabrics; barbs; broken glass; chain; netting; unapproved corrugated metal panels; galvanized sheet metal; plywood; fiberglass panels; or other materials that are not manufactured specifically as fencing materials.

b.

Damaged or unsafe materials; or used materials unless approved by the director.

c.

Materials that cause a fence to be electrically charged in any manner.

d.

Slats of any material woven through a chain link fence, including but not limited to metal, fiberglass, or bamboo.

e.

Metal panels on a residentially-zoned property unless in compliance with Appendix B - Fence Design Guidelines of this chapter.

f.

A fence that has in it or on it barbs, broken glass, or anything reasonably capable of causing harm to persons or animals.

Exception: Wire installed in accordance with section 15-7.

g.

Mesh screening material attached to a fence on property used for residential purposes.

(Ord. No. 2018-10044, § I, 4-5-18)