11.72 - Fences
9 11. 72
Section 11.72: Fences
Subdivision 1. Definitions
For the purposes of this section, the following terms are defined as follows:
A. Berm: An earthen mound designed to provide visual interest on a site,
screen undesirable views, reduce noise, or fulfill other similar purposes.
B. Fence: A structural enclosure or barrier used as a boundary, means of
protection, or concealment.
C. Screening: A method of visually shielding or obscuring one abutting or
nearby structure or use from another by fencing, walls, berms, or densely
planted vegetation.
Subdivision 2. General Regulations
All fences in all zoning districts are subject to the following requirements:
A. The side of a fence without primary structural supports shall be considered
the finished side and must face outward from the property on which it is
constructed towards the adjacent property. If a fence has two (2) similarly
finished sides, either side may face the adjacent property.
B. All berms, screening, and fences, including fence footings, must be located
entirely on the property for which the fence is being constructed. A property
owner installing a new fence must accurately determine property lines prior
to installing a fence.
C. All fences shall be maintained and kept in good repair by property owners.
Any hazardous fence or fence in a state of disrepair shall be repaired or
removed by the property owner within thirty (30) days of notice by the City.
If a property owner fails to comply with such notice, in addition to all other
applicable penalties under City Code, the City may remove the fence and
assess the property owner the cost of such removal.
D. All berms, screening, and fences shall comply with Chapter 7 of the City
Code.
E. Electrified fences are prohibited. Barbed wire fences are prohibited except as
allowed under Subdivision 3.
Subdivision 3. Regulations by Zoning District
The following regulations apply to specific zoning districts.
A. Residential and Multiple Dwelling zoning districts.
Golden Valley City Code
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9 11. 72
1. Fences in the front yard shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. Fences in
side and rear yards shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
2. All exterior storage in the side or rear yards shall be screened by a wall or
fence not more than six (6) feet in height and not less than fifty percent
(50%) opacity, or by vegetation of not less than six (6) feet in height and
fifty percent (50%) opacity.
3. All mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from the street
right-of-way.
B. All other zoning districts.
1. Fences shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
2. All exterior storage shall be screened by a wall, fence, or vegetation not
less than six (6) feet in height and of ninety percent (90%) opacity.
3. All mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from the street
right-of-way.
4. Barbed wire fences are prohibited in all zoning districts except the
Industrial and Light Industrial zoning districts. No barbed wire shall be
erected upon any fence at a height lower than seven (7) feet.
Subdivision 4. Exceptions
Any deviation from this Section shall require a variance in accordance with Section
11. 90 of this Chapter except the following:
A. Tennis and basketball courts in all zoning districts may have a single
perimeter fence no higher than ten (10) feet. Such fences shall be located to
the rear of the primary structure and shall require a minimum three (3) foot
strip of landscaping around the entire perimeter.
B. A fence not exceeding twelve (12) feet in height is permitted in Commercial,
Industrial, and Light Industrial zoning districts solely for the purpose of
screening exterior storage areas.
C. A fence not exceeding six (6) feet in height is permitted in the front yard of
all properties directly adjoining an A or B minor Arterial Street, as designated
in the City of Golden Valley Transportation Plan.
Source: Ordinance No. 312, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10.29-04
Golden Valley City Code
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