Frequently Asked Questions

All fees associated with a permit or application should be indicated on the application. Payments can be submitted using cash, check, or a credit card with the application at City Hall. If you would like to pay the associated fee online, an invoice can be requested. Once an invoice has been made, the applicant would use the Online Payment portal on the City's website and search for the invoice under miscellaneous receivables.

The City's Zoning Ordinance does not have a specified distance that your driveway must be from your property line. It is always a good idea to discuss your plans with your neighbor so that you agree on the actual location of the shared property line.

The City's Zoning Ordinance establishes different rules for fences in side/rear yards and front yards.

Front Yard

• Shall not block the view of traffic.
• Shall consist of split rail, decorative iron, wood, engineered wood or plastic products, or similar material.
• Shall not be chain link, snow fence, woven fence, or rubber of any kind.
• Shall not exceed 50% in opacity.
• Shall not be installed within the street right-of-way.
• The finished side shall face the exterior of the property.
• Fence posts may not be taller than 48 inches with the fence no higher than 42 inches.

Side / Rear Yard

• Shall not exceed 6 feet in height
• Shall not extend toward the front of the lot nearer than the front of the house or the required minimum front yard, whichever is greater.
• May be placed on the property line (be sure to consult with your neighbor to be sure that you agree on the location of the shared property line).
• The finished side shall face the exterior of the property.

Process

A zoning permit is required from the city before construction. In order to secure a permit a plot plan (sketch) illustrating your property and the location where the fence is to be constructed must be submitted. A description or illustration of the type of fence that you propose to construct must also be submitted.

Please note: A few of the neighborhoods in the City have specific neighborhood rules (deed restrictions). If you reside in one of the neighborhoods with specific rules, be sure to consult those rules as well.

It depends on the size of your lot. Additionally, standards vary from zoning district to zoning district. Standards that apply to all residential zoning districts include the following:

• Shall only be located on a lot where there is an existing primary structure (residence).
• Shall only be located in the rear yard. Special standards apply to corner lots.
• Shall be setback a minimum of 6 feet from any lot line and shall not be placed closer than 10 feet to any building on the same lot.
• Structures that are at least 200 square, but less than 600 square feet, in size shall be securely attached to a foundation, footing, or concrete slab.
• Structures that are more than 600 square feet in size shall be securely attached to a frost-free footing meeting building code requirements.
• Shall not be constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic film, nylon, or similar pliable material. The portable garages (sometimes referred to as car canopies or temporary carports) that are sold at the home improvement stores are not permitted.

The number, size, and height of the garage or storage shed that may be constructed must meet specifications. Contact the planning and zoning department for specifications.

Process

A zoning permit, and in some instances a building permit, is required before you begin construction. In order to secure a permit a plot plan (sketch) illustrating your property and the location where the garage or shed is to be constructed must be submitted. The plot plan should also illustrate the size and setbacks of the existing buildings on the property. A sketch of the garage or shed to be constructed must also be submitted. More detailed construction plans may be necessary if a building permit is required.

The answer to both parts of this question depends on the zoning district in which your property is located. The setback requirements and the total area that a lot may be covered by buildings will vary from zoning district to zoning district.

Please consult with City Hall about information for your specific situation.