Fence Rules in Woodside

Generally yes. The code states: "A building permit and/or a fence permit shall be required for all fences, walls, gates, pylons, and berms" (WMC § 153.212(A)(2)). Repair of short sections — less than 100 feet, and not more than 50 percent of that segment of fencing over a 12-month period — does not require a permit (§ 153.212(B)(12)).

Fences, walls, gates, pylons and berms that meet the section's standards may be approved by the Planning Director. Exceptions to the standards may be granted by the Architectural and Site Review Administrator, but none that allows a fence, wall or berm over 6 feet (§ 153.212(B)(1)–(2)). The town's permit form (P-12) states that an approved permit lapses two years after it is issued unless the Planning Director extends it.

The section sets a minimum setback from the edge of the adjacent driving surface by fence type and height (§ 153.212(B)(4), Table L-2). The first figure is for a public road, the second for a private road:

• Open fences, less than 4 feet tall: 10 feet; 5 feet.
• Open fences, between 4 and 6 feet tall: 20 feet; 10 feet.
• Solid fences and walls, less than 4 feet tall: 10 feet; 5 feet.
• Solid fences and walls, between 4 and 6 feet tall: 50 feet, or 30 feet in R-1 zoning, on public and private roads alike.
• Vehicular gates: 25 feet, with gates in the open position, on public and private roads alike.

The maximum overall height for fencing and gates is 6 feet. On design the code states: "Open fencing and gates are strongly encouraged to maintain the rural atmosphere of the Town" (§ 153.212(B)).

No more than 6 feet, and 25 feet from the edge of the driving surface with the gates in the open position (§ 153.212(B)(4)). The code also says: "Open gates are required" (§ 153.212(B)(3)). The town's permit form (P-12) adds that vehicular gates must be 40% open and that the 25 feet grows by the length of the gate if the gates swing outward.

The code allows it in two cases: where the replacement is of a like material, no greater in height and no closer to adjacent property lines than the existing fence or wall, or where the fence is replaced by an open fence that meets the section; replacement with chain link is subject to all of the section's provisions (§ 153.212(B)(12)). A taller or relocated fence, or one in a different material, is new work and has to meet the current setbacks. Replacement of existing gates, pylons and berms requires a fence or building permit and goes through the section's review.

Not a trail easement: fences, walls, gates and pylons may not be located in the public or private right-of-way or within any trail easement (§ 153.212(B)(4)). Fences also have to leave existing equestrian trails a minimum of 15 feet of usable width, unless the Trails Committee agrees a lesser width is adequate (§ 153.212(B)(5)).

In a stream corridor, no fence, wall, gate, pylon or berm may be built unless the Town Engineer finds it will not impede drainage flow and the Planning Director finds that adequate provision is made for the passage of wildlife (§ 153.212(B)(10)).

For some fences. The town's permit form (P-12) states that the town notices adjacent property owners when solid or "non-rural" fences or walls are proposed more than 50 feet (30 feet in the R-1 zone) from the right-of-way of adjacent roads, and that neighbors may request review by the Architectural and Site Review Administrator within 10 days of receipt.

The town's planning staff confirm what applies at a specific address. For fence work in Woodside, photos of the fence are enough for the independent contractor assigned to your area to say what the repair involves. Rules for neighbouring towns are in the fence rules and permits guide.