Frequently Asked Questions

A permit is NOT required to construct a fence on your property if the fence is 6-feet or shorter. However, there are several ordinance requirements to keep in mind:

• Fences are allowed to be constructed on property lines. The property owner is responsible for verifying their property lines. The City does not mark/verify property lines and does not get involved in neighbor disputes regarding fence placement on private property. Hiring a licensed land surveyor to mark your property lines is highly recommended. The City may have a survey of your property on file for reference.
• Residential: Four-foot (4') fences may be located on any lot line except that fences on interior lots may be up to six-foot (6') feet in height on the side or rear lot lines beginning at the nearest front corner of the principal building. 
• Corner lots: Fences up to six-feet (6') in height may be constructed on the side and rear lot lines behind the nearest front corner of the principal building subject to the following:
  • The front corner of the principal building is defined as beginning at the widest point of the structure's front facing foundation as determined by its street address.
  • No fence over four-feet (4') in height shall be located within the triangle of visibility which is that area within a triangle created by measuring from a point on the curb or edge of the street closest to the center of the intersection, down the front curb lines or edge of the intersecting streets thirty-feet (30'), and then connecting these end points with a straight line.
  • When a fence is adjacent to a driveway of a neighboring lot, a five-foot (5') triangle of visibility or a five-foot (5') setback along the streetside shall be provided at the intersecting lot lines. 
• Materials: Fences shall be constructed of materials widely accepted in the fencing industry. No plywood boards, canvas, plastic sheeting, metal sheeting or similar material shall be used.

Accessory structures over 200 square-feet require a building permit. All accessory structures, regardless of size, must follow certain ordinance requirements:

• They shall be located behind the principal structure in the side or rear yard.
• They cannot be located in any drainage and utility easements. 
• They must be 10 feet away from any other structure. 
• Only one type of structure is allowed per lot. 
• Sheds can be a maximum of 12 feet in height. Detached garages can be a maximum of 20 feet in height.
• If they are 1,000 square-feet or greater, frost footings and foundation is required.
• Sheds must be anchored to the ground.
• Detached garages must be constructed of similar materials as the principal structure.
• Setback requirements vary by zoning district:

  Zoning District	Side Yard Property Line	Rear Yard Property Line
  R-1	6 feet	6 feet
  R-2	6 feet	Without Alley: 3 feet With Alley: 10 feet
  R-3	6 feet	Without Alley: 3 feet With Alley: 10 feet
  R-4	6 feet	6 feet
  R-D	3 feet	Without Alley: 3 feet With Alley: 10 feet

If you don't know your zoning district, please contact the Planning Department. Some properties have drainage and utility easements greater than 6 feet, if unsure, please contact the Planning Department to verify.

Drainage and utility easements allow the city or a utility company to access the land for purposes related to construction and maintenance of storm drainage and utility lines. On an average residential lot, these easements are typically 5 feet in width along the side and rear property lines and 10 feet along the front property line. Some lots may have larger easements if they abut a natural area, stormwater pond, wetland, or are a corner lot. Placing structures and impervious surfaces in these easements are not allowed.

Please contact the Planning Department to see if your property has easements that you should be aware about.