City of Thibodaux Zoning Review - South Central Planning ...

Thibodaux Zoning Review 2010Fence Height requirementsZoning ordinances often require solid fencing and/or vegetationalong property lines between two different types of usesthat are located directly adjacent to each other. This is especiallycommon when a commercial activity occurs next door to a residentialuse. The thought behind the requirement is to shield theresidences from noise, lights, and other nuisances. Thibodauxhas such language in the zoning ordinance requiring a bufferbetween parking areas and residential or related uses. Discussionswith the administrative staff revealed that a conflict existswithin the zoning ordinance regarding the height requirementsof the required fence and the maximum height allowed alongthe perimeter of the 20 foot required front yard. This issue isof particular concern in R3 districts. The conflicting directionsare a safety concern as the required fence is protruding into theline of sight of adjacent property owners, not unlike the previousdiscussion on intersections.City of ThibodauxThe definitions define “yards” and include stipulationsregarding the height of structures in a front yard. The ordinanceprohibits fences or walls in excess of 30 inches if it impedes visionacross the yard. The same is true of vegetation that is between 30inches and 10 feet, probably allowing for taller trees that do nothave low branches. On the other hand, property owners locatedin an R3 zone must provide a solid fence and screening that issix feet high if they have 10 or more parking spots within twenty(20) feet of a dwelling unit, school, hospital, or other institutionfor human care. The ordinance again prohibits any fencing,walls or hedges higher than two and one half feet (30 inches) tallalong the front yard.Article XVIII DefinitionsYard, Front: …In any required front yard, no fence or wallshall be permitted which materially impedes vision acrosssuch yard above the height of 30 inches, and no hedgeor other vegetation shall be permitted which materiallyimpedes vision across such yard between the heights of 30inches and 10 feet.…Section 602 Notwithstanding other provisions of this ordinance,fences, walls, and hedges may be permitted in anyrequired yard or along the edge of any yard, provided that nofence, wall, or hedge along the sides or front edge of any frontyard shall be over two and one-half feet in height.Section 704.2 No part of any parking area for more than10 vehicles shall be closer than 20 feet to any dwelling unit,school, hospital, or other institution for human care locatedon an adjoining lot, unless separated by a wall or fence ofsolid appearance or a tight evergreen hedge having a heightof not less than 6 feet.Comparable Cities – Fence Height RequirementsCity of HammondHammond’s ordinance details height limits for differenttypes of fences and within different zoning districts. When usedas a buffer between residential and commercial uses the fencemay be eight feet high. But overall it appears that no fence mayobstruct sight clearances and nothing may be higher than 36inches above grade if the object is within the sight triangle andfour feet elsewhere. The fences may not obstruct the sight clearanceat intersections.City of RustonRuston generally requires fencing or vegetation betweenresidential and most other uses. A good example is the foundin the B-4 Highway Business District. This one specificallystates the fencing or planting stops at the building line. SCPDCcontacted the City of Ruston Planning Department. The Rustonstaff members advised that fencing may be erected at the propertyline but it cannot exceed three (3) feet in height. However,property owners are allowed to erect fencing higher than three(3); if it is at least five (5) feet within the property line.City of PinevilleThe city’s commercial landscape ordinance requires a bufferalong commercial/residential boundaries and it must run theentire length of the abutting lot lines. However, no vegetationcan obstruct vision at vehicle intersections. The use of “vehicle”rather than “street” intersections is interesting because it mightbe interpreted to mean any point where vehicles intersect, notjust street intersections. This would then include private driveways,alleys, parking lots, etc.CommentsFencing or vegetative screens are ways to help reduce impactsof one kind of use upon another. Such requirements also helpto preserve the aesthetic quality of a neighborhood. However,extension of a buffer into a front yard is of concern from a publicsafety view if it blocks the view of vehicular traffic and pedestrians,too. The simple solution would be to add language toSection 704.2 of the Thibodaux zoning ordinance similar to thatfound in Ruston’s ordinance where the screening stops at thefront building line. Since Thibodaux has older neighborhoodswith zero lot lines (no front setbacks) such language would haveto be qualified. Wording to the effect that any fence or vegetativebuffer or screening must be installed “…so as not to block theview for public safety purposes” might be appropriate. Anothersuggestion is to provide a reduced height for screening in thefront yard areas.42