Fence Regulations

FENCE REGULATIONS  (15-13-7)

Why fence requirements?

Fences can create privacy, enhance beauty, and provide protection to individual homes and property.  At the same time, neighbors and neighborhoods visually share fences.  Height and design regulations ensure safety and enhancement for the community as well as the individual.

Where can I have a fence?

Anywhere on private property that is not within a public right-of-way.

What types of materials can I use for a fence?

Wood, metal, concrete, masonry, stone or vinyl are allowed.

Reused materials designed for another purpose other than a fence may not be used.  Barbed wire is limited to use in commercial or manufacturing zones.  It is prohibited in residential zones except when used to repair or replace existing barbed fencing used for agricultural or pasture fences.

In commercial zones, security fences may have up to (3) strands of barbed wire at not less than six (6’) feet high and may not slant more than sixty (60°) degrees from a vertical line.   It may not project over public property.  No barbed wire is allowed in front setback.  Razor ribbon is limited to use in manufacturing zones and is only allowed in side or rear setback.

In the East Central zones:  Fences in the front yard setback or in the side yard facing a street on a corner lot are limited to wood, decorative metal (no chain link), vinyl and plant material that may form a hedge. Brick or stone may be used as columns in the fence design. Chain link fencing is not permitted in the front yard setback or in the side yard facing a street on a corner lot. Owners of property with existing chain link, as of July 31, 2010, shall not expand the use of chain link fencing. If a chain link fence is replaced it may only be replaced with a fence made with permitted materials.

How tall can my fence be?

Residential zones

Fence height is limited to a maximum of four (4') feet in any side front yards and seven (7') feet in any side or rear yard.  

Corner lot

Corner lots are limited to a maximum of four (4') feet in height on each yard that faces a street.  However, a maximum six (6') foot tall fence is allowed in the corner side yard setback provided it is located behind the house.  If a neighboring driveway is within ten (10') feet of the shared property line, a clear view area is required with no fencing.  A clear view area is a triangle whose legs are measured back ten (10') feet from the point where the interior property line shared with the adjacent lot meets the property line along the public right-of-way.

Are there areas where a fence is required to be less than four (4) feet?

Yes, in order for people to see at intersections, an area called a sight triangle is required.  In this area the maximum 4’ fence or shrubs is 2’ within the sight triangle area on a corner lot.

Can I put a fence on a retaining wall or a hillside?

Yes, if:  Where a fence is to be built upon a retaining wall or hillside the height of the fence should be measured from a point halfway between the top of the retaining wall or hill on one side and the land or hillside on the lower side of the wall.

Do I need a permit to put up a fence?

Yes, you need to apply for a land use permit through Ogden City.  This is a free permit.  You may find the application on the planning department website at:  https://www.ogdencity.com/DocumentCenter/View/518/Land-Use-Permit-Application

You must submit a drawing of the site indicating the location, height, material of the proposed fence and how it relates to the property lines and buildings on site.  If the wall is masonry or concrete, construction detail showing horizontal and vertical reinforcement needs to be shown.  A land use permit can be reviewed over the counter for compliance.  If the fence is over six (6’) feet in height, the Building Department will need to review the information provided for compliance with the Building Code.

 FENCE INSPECTION

The fence will be inspected for compliance with the applicable zoning ordinances to height and the approved plan.  It is your responsibility to insure the fence is properly located and does not encroach on the public right-of-way or adjoining property.  If a masonry or concrete fence is over six (6’) in height, a building permit is required because they are considered a structure under the Building Code.  The fee for a Building Permit is based on the construction costs valuation of the work.