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Structural fences six (6) feet or less in height shall not require a building permit. Structural fences over six (6) feet in height shall require a building permit from the Building Inspection Division. A structural or vegetative fence shall not create a sight distance hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic as determined by the Provo City traffic engineer.

(1) Solid walls, fences, hedges or screening materials which are sight obscuring may be built to a maximum of three (3) feet in height in any required front yard perimeter. Such walls, fences, hedges or screening materials may slope upward to connect with a higher side yard fence. The length of a sloped fence section shall not exceed one (1) section or a maximum of ten (10) feet. Walls, fences, hedges or screening materials which are not sight obscuring (at least fifty percent (50%) open) may be built to a maximum of six (6) feet in height in a front yard.

(2) Solid, sight obscuring fences or walls and non-sight obscuring fences (at least fifty percent (50%) open) may be built to a maximum height of six (6) feet in a side yard.

(3) Walls and fences in a rear yard may exceed six (6) feet provided that a building permit is first obtained from the Building Inspection Division prior to construction.

(4) A fence not more than six (6) feet high may be constructed in a side yard adjacent to a public street on a corner lot, provided it does not extend into the clear vision area of a corner lot as defined by Section 14.34.100, Provo City Code.

(5) Entry treatments to private driveways or subdivision development entrances may not exceed six (6) feet at the highest point, except lamps on pillars, and shall comply with the provisions of Section 14.34.100, Provo City Code. Pillars may extend up to eighteen (18) inches above the allowable height of a fence provided that the pillars shall have a minimum spacing of no less than six (6) feet, measured face to face.

(6) Where there is a difference in the grade of the properties on either side of a fence, wall or other similar structure, the height of the fence shall be measured from the natural grade of the property upon which it is located.

(7) Where a retaining wall protects a cut below or a fill above the natural grade and is located on the line separating lots or properties, such retaining wall may be topped by a fence, wall or hedge of the same height that would otherwise be permitted at the location if no retaining wall existed.

(8) Privacy walls which project into a required front yard shall be subject to staff review.

(9) A fence or wall may be erected in the rear yard of a double frontage lot subject to staff review.

(10) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to other fences such as tennis court backstops or patio enclosures if the Zoning Administrator determines that such do not create a hazard or violation of other sections of the Provo City Code or other City ordinances. All other exceptions shall be approved by the Planning Commission. Standards for barbed wire and similar types of fences are listed in Section 9.14.020, Provo City Code.

(11) All developments consisting of three (3) or more units shall be required to have perimeter screening along all interior lot or parcel lines. Perimeter screening may include a landscape hedge of six (6) feet at a two (2) year maturity, masonry or wood fence or a combination of landscaping with chain-link, with or without slats.

(Enacted 2000-46)