We put the following FAQ together to help homeowners research their fence options in Delaware, Ohio. This information only deals with the City of Delaware, not Delaware County. While we try to keep this resource up to date please note we do not represent the City of Delaware. If you would like an estimate check out our fence installation services in Delaware Ohio.
Where to get a fence permit in Delaware Ohio?
You apply for a fence permit at the Planning and Community Development Department of the City of Delaware.
You can contact Planning and Community Development at:
1 South Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH 43015
740-203-1600
PlanningAndDevelopment@delawareohio.net
How to get a fence permit in Delaware Ohio?
You will need to file an application for a Residential Building Permit.
How much does a fence permit cost in Delaware Ohio?
$30, payable by check to the “City of Delaware”. Payment due after the permit is approved.
What are the rules for building a fence in Delaware Ohio?
Check the official City of Delaware Building Code for Fences for the current version of these rules. The following sections deal with common questions regarding building a residential fence:
(a) ”Fence” means any structure composed of wood, steel, shrubbery, hedges or other material erected in such a manner and positioned as to enclose or partially enclose any premises or any part of any premises. Trellises or other structures supporting or for the purpose of supporting vines, flowers and other vegetation when erected in such position as to enclose any premises or any part of any premises shall be included within the definition of the word “fences”. Structures erected other than on lot lines or in close proximity to lot lines, which have solely an ornamental purpose and which do not in fact serve the purpose of enclosing or partially enclosing premises or of separating premises from adjoining premises, shall not be included within the definition of the word “fences”.
(b) ”Privacy fence” means a fence made to inhibit public view and provide seclusion and, when viewed at right angles, having more than fifty percent (50%) of the area of its vertical plane, the area within a rectangular outline enclosing all parts of the fence in its vertical plane, closed to light or air. Permitted privacy fences are:
(1) ”Basket weave” or “woven fence” means a fence made of interwoven strips or slats of flexible or semiflexible material in which the pattern has the appearance of a plaited basket.
(2) ”Louver” or “ventilating fence” means a fence made of a series of slats placed at an angle or positioned so as to provide air but to deflect light perpendicular to its vertical plane.
(c) ”Open ornamental fence” means a fence usually made of wood constructed for its beauty or decorative effect and, when viewed at right angle, having not less than fifty percent (50%) of the area of its vertical plane, the area within a rectangular outline enclosing all parts of the fence in its plane, open to light and air. Permitted open ornamental fences are:
(1) ”Rail” or “split rail fence” means a fence constructed of narrow, whole or split, wooden timbers placed horizontally between upright supporting posts.
(2) ”Picket fence” means an open fence made of upright poles or slats.
(d) ”Chain link fence” means a fence usually made of metal consisting of loops of wire interconnected in a series of joined links.
(e) ”Barbed wire fence” means a fence made with metal wire having sharp points or barbs along its length.
(f) ”Stockade” or “palisade fence” means a fence constructed with a row of large pointed stakes placed upright against each other having more than fifty percent (50%) of the area of its vertical plane closed to light or air.
(g) ”Electrified fence” means all fences or structures, included in which or attached to which, is any device or object which emits or produces an electric charge, impulse or shock when the same comes into contact with any other object or any person, animal or thing, or which causes or may cause, burns to any person or animal.
1361.04. – Permitted fences.
Fences shall be permitted in required yards as follows, except as otherwise provided in the Zoning Ordinance or other Municipal ordinances.
(a) Open Ornamental Fences. Shall be permitted in residential zoning districts.
(b) Chain Link Fences. Shall be permitted in all zoning districts only in rear and side yards. Such fences may be erected parallel to and on, or approximately on, the common property line to a height not exceeding five feet above the natural grade.
(c) Privacy Fences. Shall be permitted in all zoning districts only in rear yards. Such fences shall comply with the yard requirements of a permitted accessory building and shall not exceed seven feet in height above the natural grade.
(d) Shrubbery or Hedges. Shall be permitted in public facilities and residential zoning districts.
(e) Electrified, Barbed Wire and Stockade Fences. Are hereby prohibited in residential districts.
(f) Other Fences. The Manager may permit other fences similar in character and design to one or more of the permitted fences herein upon application.
1361.05. – Swimming pool fences.
Swimming pools located within all zoning districts of the Municipality shall be surrounded by wooden or metal chain link or privacy fence not less than four feet in height; and all openings, doorways and entrances into the pool area shall be equipped with gates of equal height with the fence, which gates shall be provided with latches and locks. Above ground swimming pools shall not be included within the definition of “swimming pool” as used in this section.
1361.06. – Corner and through lot fences.
Where a rear or side yard abuts a street, fences otherwise permitted in side or rear yards shall not extend into required yards. However, this provision shall not prohibit permitted rail or split rail fences erected in such side or rear yards parallel to and not nearer than one foot to the side or rear property line, at a height not to exceed three feet above the natural grade.
