§ 19.74 — Twentynine Palms Zoning Code

19.74.010 - Purpose ¶

The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the height and location of fences, walls and screening to provide light, air and privacy without obstructing views, establish buffers between different land uses, and safeguard against visual obstructions at the intersections of streets and/or driveways.

(Ord. No. 319, § 4(Exh. A), 8-13-2024)

19.74.020 - Applicability ¶

The standards contained in this Chapter shall apply to the following:

A.

New Uses and Buildings. Fences, walls and screens shall be provided as required by this Chapter for all buildings erected and all uses of land established after the effective date of this Title.

B.

Modification to Existing Structures and Uses. Fences, walls and screens shall be provided as required by this Chapter whenever an existing building is modified or a use is expanded such that it creates an increase of more than 25 percent in the number of existing dwelling units for residential projects or more than 25 percent in the existing square footage of commercial or industrial projects. In all cases where the change in use will involve outside storage as defined by this Code, such fences, walls or screening as set forth in Chapter 19.130 (Outdoor Storage) shall be required.

(Ord. No. 319, § 4(Exh. A), 8-13-2024)

19.74.030 - Permit Requirements and Exemptions

Permit Required. Unless otherwise exempt, Zoning Clearance is required for new fences and walls.

B.

Exemptions. Fences and walls listed below are exempt from land use and development permits but may still require building permits.

1.

Retaining Walls. Retaining walls less than 36 inches in height are exempt from the requirements of this Chapter.

2.

Residential Fences and Walls. Fences and walls located on residential property constructed in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.

3.

Required Fences and Walls. The requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to a fence or wall required by any law or regulation of the City (including temporary construction site fencing), county, state, or federal government, or any agency thereof.

(Ord. No. 319, § 4(Exh. A), 8-13-2024)

19.74.040 - Location and Height Measurements

A.

Height Measurement. Fence and wall height shall be measured from the highest finish grade at the base of the fence or wall to the uppermost part of the fence or wall; except when there is a difference in the ground level between two adjoining parcels, the fence or wall shall be measured at the mid-point of the retaining wall height as measured on the side with the lowest finish grade. See Figure 19.74.040-1 (Measurement of Fence and Wall Height on Parcels with Different Elevations).

Figure 19.74.040-1\Measurement of Fence and Wall Height on Parcels with Different Elevations

(Ord. No. 319, § 4(Exh. A), 8-13-2024)

19.74.050 - Materials and Maintenance ¶

A.

Fence, Wall and Screen Materials. Fences, walls and screens shall be constructed of attractive, long-lasting materials and architecturally integrated with the building design and with existing fences/walls on the site. The following limitations apply:

1.

Fences and gates approved for screening purposes in residential zones shall be chain link, solid wood, solid vinyl, tubular steel or wrought iron. Where tubular steel or wrought iron is used, it shall be backed by solid or perforated metal sheeting painted to match the fence or gate. When chain link is used for screening, it must be backed with wood or plastic slats, solid plastic sheet, or knitted fabric privacy/wind screening. Decorative block walls may also be used for screening purposes.

2.

Fences and gates approved for screening purposes in commercial, office, mixed-use, industrial, or public and open space zones shall be a solid wall or material, chain link, metal, tubular steel or wrought iron. Open fencing shall be backed by solid or perforated metal sheeting painted to match the fence or gate. When chain link is used for screening, it must be backed with wood or plastic slats, except that chain link fence is not permitted for screening purposes along any property line abutting the right-of-way along Adobe Road or SR-62 in the CO, CN, CT, CG, and CS land use districts.

3.

If not required for screening purposes, chain link fencing is permitted in all land use districts, except along any property line abutting the right-of-way along Adobe Road or SR-62 in the CO, CN, CT, CG, and CS land use districts.

Alternative materials for screening purposes may be approved by the Community Development Director or the Planning Commission as part of a discretionary permit approval.

5.

Barbed wire shall not be permitted or maintained in or about the construction of a fence, wall or screen located within any setback area.

6.

No sharp wire or points shall project at the top of the fence or wall six feet or less in height.

B.

Maintenance. Fences, walls and screens shall be continuously maintained in an orderly and good condition.

(Ord. No. 319, § 4(Exh. A), 8-13-2024)

19.74.060 - Requirements by Land Use Type

A.

Applicable to All Land Use Types.

1.

Fencing and Walls for Pools, Spas and Similar Features. Swimming pools, spas and other similar water features shall be enclosed in compliance with Building Code requirements.

2.

Temporary Fences. Nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed to prohibit the erection of a temporary fence around construction projects in compliance with the Building Code and other applicable requirements of the Development Code.

B.

Residential and Public Districts.

1.

Maximum Height. The height of fences, walls or screening (including landscape) in residential and public districts is limited according to Table 19.74.060-1 (Maximum Height of Fences, Walls and Screens in Residential and Public Land Use Districts).

Table 19.74.060-1\Maximum Height of Fences, Walls and Screens in Residential and Public Land Use Districts

Location of Fence/Wall/Screening Maximum Height

Required front yard area	6 ft
Required rear and interior side yard area	8 ft(1)
Required street side yard area	8 ft(2)
At intersections of streets, alleys, and driveways within the clear site triangle(3)	2.5 ft
All other areas of lot	8 ft

1.For through lots where the rear yard is adjacent to the front yard of adjoining property, the height of fences, walls or screening shall not exceed four feet within a setback area equal to the front yard setback of the adjoining property

2.The maximum height of a fence, wall or screen shall be four feet within the street side yard of a reverse corner lot.

3.See definition of clear site triangle in Chapter 19.06 (Definitions).

2.

Required Walls. A solid masonry wall shall be provided between uses as follows;

a.

An eight-foot solid masonry wall shall be required between any parking areas developed on a parcel zoned for multiple-family residential uses (RM or R-HD zones) and an abutting parcel zoned for single-family residential (RL or RS zone), except that the masonry wall shall not exceed four feet in height within the required front yard setback.

b.

An eight-foot solid masonry wall shall be required between any parking areas developed on a parcel zoned high density residential (R-HD) and an abutting parcel zoned multi-family residential (RM), except that the masonry wall shall not exceed four feet in height within the required front yard setback.

C.

Commercial Districts.

1.

Maximum Height. The height of fences, walls or screening in commercial land use districts is limited according to Table 19.74.060-2 (Maximum Height of Fences, Walls and Screens in Commercial Land Use Districts).

Table 19.74.060-2

Maximum Height of Fences, Walls and Screens in Commercial Land Use Districts

Location of Fence/Wall/Screening	Maximum Height
Required front yard area	6 ft

Required rear and interior side yard area	8 ft(1)
Required street side yard area	8 ft
At intersections of streets, alleys, and driveways within the clear site triangle(2)	2.5 ft
All other areas of lot	8 ft

1For through lots where the rear yard is adjacent to the front yard of adjoining property, the height offences, walls or screening shall not exceed four feet within a setback area equal to the front yard setback of the adjoining property.

2See definition of clear site triangle in Chapter 19.06 (Definitions).

2.

Required Walls. A solid masonry wall shall be provided as follows:

a.

An eight-foot solid masonry wall shall be required between any parcel zoned for commercial land use uses and an abutting parcel zoned for residential or public uses, except that the masonry wall shall not exceed four feet in height within the required front yard setback.

3.

Screening.

a.

Screening of Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment, including rooftop equipment, shall be screened by a permanent parapet wall and shall not be visible from grade level or adjacent street elevations. Such screening shall extend a minimum of six inches above the highest portion of the equipment and shall be readily accessible for maintenance.

b.

Screening of Commercial Loading Docks and Trash Storage Areas. Loading docks and trash storage areas shall be screened from public view, adjoining public streets and rights-of-way, and residentially zoned areas. The method of screening shall be architecturally compatible with other on-site development in terms of colors and materials.

D.

Industrial Districts.

1.

Maximum Height. The height of fences, walls or screening in industrial land use districts is limited according to Table 19.74.060-3 (Maximum Height of Fences, Walls and Screens in Industrial Land Use Districts).

Table 19.74.060-3

Maximum Height of Fences, Walls and Screens in Industrial Land Use Districts

Location of Fence/Wall/Screening	Maximum Height
Required front yard area	8 ft
Required rear and interior side yard area	10 ft(1)
Required street side yard area	8 ft
At intersections of streets, alleys, and driveways within the clear site triangle(2)	2.5 ft
All other areas of lot	10 ft

1.For through lots where the rear yard is adjacent to the front yard of adjoining property, the height of fences, walls or screening shall not exceed four feet within a setback area equal to the front yard setback of the adjoining property.

2.See definition of clear site triangle in Chapter 19.06 (Definitions).

2.

Required Walls. A solid masonry wall shall be provided as follows:

a.

A 10-foot solid masonry wall shall be required between any parcel zoned for industrial land uses and an abutting parcel zoned for residential uses, except that the masonry wall shall not exceed six feet in height within the required front yard setback.

b.

At the discretion of the approving authority, a solid masonry wall up to ten feet in height may be required between any parcel zoned for industrial land use uses and an abutting parcel zoned for commercial uses, where such wall is necessary to address land use or activity incompatibilities. The masonry wall shall not exceed six feet in height within the required front yard setback.

3.

Screening.

a.

Screening of Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment, including rooftop equipment, shall be screened by a permanent parapet wall and shall not be visible from grade level or adjacent street elevations. Such screening shall extend six inches above the highest portion of the equipment and shall be readily accessible for maintenance.

b.

Screening of Commercial Loading Docks and Trash Storage Areas. Loading docks and trash storage areas shall be screened from public view, adjoining public streets and rights-of-way, and residential ly zoned areas. The method of screening shall be architecturally compatible with other on-site development in terms of colors and materials.

(Ord. No. 319, § 4(Exh. A), 8-13-2024)

Chapter 19.78 - Lighting Standards