Chapter 17.13 — FENCES AND WALLS

§ 17.13.010. Purpose. ¶

This chapter establishes standards for the height, placement, and design of fences and walls.

§ 17.13.020. Applicability. ¶

A. The standards in this article apply to fences and walls within all zones as defined in Part 7 (Definitions).
B. In the event of any inconsistency between regulations in this chapter and those outside of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.

§ 17.13.030. Measurement of Fence or Wall Height. ¶

A. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured from the adjacent finished grade at the base to the top edge of the fence or wall. See Figure 17.13-1 (Fence and Wall Height).

FIGURE 17.13-1 FENCE AND WALL HEIGHT

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B. If the adjacent finished grade is different on opposite sides of the fence or wall, the height shall be measured from the side with the highest finished grade to the highest point on the fence. See Figure 17.13-2 (Fence and Wall Height with Grade Change).

FIGURE 17.13-2 FENCE AND WALL HEIGHT WITH GRADE CHANGE

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C. If a fence is atop a wall, the total height shall be measured from the base of the wall.

§ 17.13.040. Height Limits. ¶

A. A fence or wall shall not exceed the maximum permitted height as shown in Table 17.13-1 (Maximum Height of Fences and Walls).

TABLE 17.13.1 MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF FENCES AND WALLS
Fence or Wall Location	Industrial Zones	All Other Zones
Within front and street side setback area (i.e. minimum required setback or up to main building)	3.5 ft.	3.5 ft.
Within rear or interior side setback area	8 ft.	6 ft.
All other areas on parcel	8 ft.	6 ft.

B. Within residential zones, an additional 2 feet of height is permitted for ornamental features that do not provide a screening function, such as an archway over a gate or ornamental figures intermittently situated along the top of a fence or wall. Decorative arches and other similar entry features within the front and street side setback areas may be up to 8 feet in height. See Figure 17.13-3 (Decorative Arches).

FIGURE 17.13-3 DECORATIVE ARCHES

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§ 17.13.050. Location. ¶

A. Private fences and walls are prohibited in the public right-of-way.
B. The placement of fences and walls shall not create safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
C. Fences and walls shall not obstruct reasonable access to a property in the case of fire or other emergency.

§ 17.13.060. Fence and Wall Materials. ¶

A. Fences and walls shall be constructed of decorative masonry, ornamental steel or iron, or wood and shall complement the architectural style of the primary structures on the property. Other materials may be permitted if the Development Services Director determines the design to be compatible with adjacent structures and the surrounding neighborhood.
B. Fences and walls shall not be constructed of inappropriate materials such as sheet metal, vehicles, underground/above-ground tanks, garage doors, aluminum siding, corrugated tin, and other similar materials not specifically designed for use as fencing.
C. Chain-link, barbed wire, razor wire, or wire mesh fences are prohibited in all residential zones and areas visible from a public or private street.
D. Fences and walls shall be constructed so that no hazards, such as nails, spikes, wires or other sharp or pointed objects, protrude from or exist upon the fence. The use of barbed wire, razor wire and other similar materials is prohibited, unless deemed necessary for safety by the Development Services Director.

§ 17.13.070. Temporary Construction Fences. ¶

Temporary fences around construction sites that are erected and maintained pursuant to Upland Municipal Code Title 15 (Building and Construction) shall be permitted.