Introduction | Current Projects | Guide to Residential Permits | Fences & Walls, Decks, Accessory Structures | Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Gazebos, Trellises | Guide to Commercial Permits | Building Safety Week | All Permits & Forms
Fences & Walls, Decks, Accessory StructuresClick here to download this information as a printable brochure (pdf file).A primary goal of the City of Upper Arlington Development Department is to help citizens understand and correctly apply the communitys zoning code when undertaking any new construction or home improvement project, to protect the character of neighborhoods and enhance property values. As such, the department has created this brochure outlining the rules and regulations that apply to typical outdoor home improvement projects. The information provided here is language taken directly from the Citys Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) but may not reflect all code and permit requirements that pertain to your project. Please refer to the UDO document, call the Development Department, at 614-583-5076 for specific questions, or click here to complete an online query. Fences and Walls Article 6.09(D)13 Fence or wall means an enclosure or barrier, such as wooden posts, wire, iron, etc., used as a boundary, means of protection, privacy screening or confinement, but not including hedges, shrubs, trees, or other natural growth. An approved fence permit is required prior to installation of a fence or wall. Wire, metal and electric fences are prohibited. Picket fences shall have points blunted. Fences must be constructed so that exposed posts and supporting cross-elements shall face the property initiating the request or on which the fence or wall is constructed. This provision shall not apply if the adjacent property owner signs the fence permit consenting to have the fence erected with the posts and cross-elements facing their property. When a fence or wall is constructed on a mound, or where the ground under the fence or wall has been raised to a higher level than the surrounding surface, the permissible height of the fence or wall shall be reduced by the height of such mound or raised surface. No fence or fences shall be constructed so that there are two parallel fences in the same yard on one lot, unless there is a distance of at least five feet between the fences. Retaining walls, dry-stacked stone decorative walls and entry features may be located in front yards provided they conform to intersection clearance requirements. If located in a front yard, these features may not exceed 36 in height. Fences that are 42 high or less may be located in any yard provided they shall not be erected in any front yard more than 15 forward of the building setback line [posts supporting the fence may exceed the height of the fence by 6]. Fences that are 6 high or less may be located in any rear or side yard [posts supporting the fence may exceed the height of the fence by 6]. Fences over 6 tall are prohibited. On a corner lot or a through lot, each yard abutting a street shall be considered as a front yard. Ornamental features that are 42 or less and which do not exceed 20 in total length may be located in any yard. Storage Sheds, Garden Sheds, Recreational Structures, Pet Shelters Article 6.09(c) Accessory structures or buildings are categorized as either storage/garden sheds, recreational/play structures or pet shelters. Only one of each type is permitted on a single property. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance must be obtained prior to construction or installation of any accessory structure. Accessory structures may not be located in front yards. Accessory structures may not be located in platted easements. Storage and garden sheds must be at least 3 from property lines and may not exceed 10 in height. Recreational structures and pet shelters must be at least 10 from property lines. Recreational structures may not exceed 12 in height and pet shelters may not exceed 6 in height. No accessory building or structure may exceed the percentage of total lot area shown in Table 5-F of the Unified Development Ordinance. Any building or structure larger than 200 s.f. requires a building permit and requisite inspections. The vistas of adjacent property owners must be considered with the installation and maintenance of storage structures. As viewed from neighboring property lines, no more than 50% of said structure shall be visible during all seasons of the year [50% opacity can be achieved by means of existing or new vegetation; existing or new fencing; or existing structures such as detached garages or neighboring accessory structures]. If an objection to the degree of obscurity is received, the Director of Development shall determine if adequate screening or obscurity exists. His opinion may be appealed to the Board of Zoning and Planning by anyone affected by his opinion, pursuant to Section 4.10 of the UDO. Decks and Balconies Article 6.09(D)2 Deck means a horizontal platform supported by any combination of posts, beams, foundations, and/or joists with or without handrails, steps or terraces. Terrace in this definition means a portion of the deck stepping up or down with the grade and used in lieu of, or in combination with, more traditional steps. Balcony means a projecting platform on a building, sometimes supported from below, sometimes cantilevered; enclosed with a railing or balustrade. A balcony is distinguished from a deck when it projects from the building at a second story level or higher and is accessible from within the building. All decks and balconies shall be attached or contiguous to the principal structure. Decks may be located in an interior side yard or rear yard so long as they are at least three feet from the side and rear property lines and do not occupy any part of a platted easement. Balconies shall be located completely within the buildable area of the lot. Decks that encroach into required side or rear yards 1) may not exceed two feet above grade at any point within six feet of the decks perimeter, 2) shall have no walls or roof planes or permanently attached benches, seats, or other structures of any kind, except a guardrail, which may be up to 42 in height above the top of the deck; and 3) shall not have a handgrip portion of the guardrail more than three and one half inches in width, if the handgrip is flat. An approved building permit is required prior to construction of a deck or balcony. 11/06 Development Department City of Upper Arlington 3600 Tremont Road Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221 Phone: 614-583-5070 |
Powered by Horizons Companies.