Council discusses fence disputes and whether to require surveys for new fences

Planning staff recounted a recent neighbor dispute in which a fence was built near a sidewalk and property-line uncertainty led to complaints and multiple calls to city offices. Jay (staff) explained the request from the complainants asked the city to require permits for all new fences and to mandate a licensed survey to confirm property lines before construction.

Bloom told council members that requiring a survey for every new fence would create substantial review workload for staff and a potentially onerous cost for property owners; he estimated a standard survey in older neighborhoods could run “a couple of thousand dollars.” He noted the International Building Code does not require permits for fences 6 feet or lower in many jurisdictions and that the city’s practice is to require building permits only for fences taller than 6 feet.

Several council members urged property owners to get surveys to avoid disputes but opposed making a survey mandatory. Council Member Seagrave said a survey should be strongly recommended, but not required, because mandatory surveys would be costly relative to some fence projects. Other members noted visibility and safety problems caused by tall front-yard fences in some locations and asked staff to consider visibility rules and clearer front-yard height limits.

Staff said they do not support a mandatory‑survey requirement because of administrative burden and cost to property owners but will consider clarifying permit thresholds, visibility standards, and public guidance to reduce disputes.