We put the following FAQ together to help homeowners research their options to build a fence in Hilliard, Ohio. This information only deals with the City of Hilliard, not Franklin County. While we try to keep this resource up to date please note we do not represent the City of Hilliard. If you would like an estimate check out our fence installation services in Hilliard Ohio.
Where to get a fence permit in Hilliard?
You can apply for a fence permit online here with the Building Division of the City of Hilliard.
Or you can contact the Building Division at:
Building Division
3800 Municipal Way
Hilliard, OH 43026
(614)529-6017
Building@hilliardohio.gov
How to get a fence permit in Hilliard?
You will need to file an online application here.
How much does a fence permit cost in Hilliard, OH?
$75, made payable to the “City of Hilliard”.
What are the rules for building a fence in Hilliard Ohio?
Quick summary of the rules for fences in Hilliard:
1. Residential fences can not be more than 6 feet in height.
2. Chain link fences in residential areas can not exceed 4 feet in height.
3. If your fence will cross a drainage swale, you must leave 6 inches of clearance at the bottom of the fence.
4. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine property lines prior to constructing a fence in order to ensure that the fence does not encroach upon another lot or parcel of land.
5. Fence contractors are required to be registered with the City of Hilliard as General Contractors.
Source: https://hilliardoh.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1080/record-types/6460
Check the official City of Hilliard Building Code for fences for the current version of these rules. The following sections deal with common questions regarding building a residential fence:
1121.02 Buildings and Structures
(d) Fences.
(1) General Standards.
A. Fences shall not be permitted to encroach upon public easements. Fences placed on utility easements shall provide access to manholes, utility boxes, cleanouts or other apparatus that may be used from time to time for maintenance of the utility. Fences in drainage easements shall require prior approval of the city engineer to allow for proper flow of water.
B. All fences, regardless of the zoning district where located, shall be a neutral color of white, tan, light gray, light brown, or similar color.
C. If both sides of a fence are not identical, the finished side (with no exposed posts or supporting cross elements) shall face outward from the property toward adjoining property or right-of-way.
D. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured from the established grade line to the highest point of the fence excluding posts and finials; provided, the posts or finials shall not exceed the fence height by more than six inches. The height of the fence may not be artificially increased by the use of mounding, unless otherwise required by the zoning district regulations.
E. All fences shall extend to the ground, or the bottom of the fence panels shall be no higher than six inches above the ground, and those inches count toward the maximum fence height.
F. Fences and walls may not interfere with the visibility at any right-of-way, regardless of other standards.
G. Only one style of fence or wall may be permitted per property line.
H. Barbed wire fences, stockade fences, basket weave fences, electric fences, fences made out of razor wire, concertina wire, solid plywood, scrap lumber, common concrete, cinderblock or other similar non-customary materials are prohibited. Examples and depictions of prohibited fences are included in the Hilliard Design Manual.
I. Fences shall only be located in the rear and side yards, and shall not be located passed the build-to line of the main structure on the parcel.
(2) Permitting.
A. A permit from the City is required prior to the installation of a fence, including a new fence or fence section, replacement fence, the relocation of any part of an existing fence located on a property. A permit is not required for regular fence maintenance. Regular Fence Maintenance is for the approved permitted fence only.
B. The application for a permit shall include plans or drawings showing the actual and accurate shape and dimensions of the property on which the fence is to be erected; the exact height, location, length, type of material, type of construction of such proposed fence; the location of all buildings on the lot; and other information deemed necessary by the zoning inspector or designee in order to ensure that the fence is constructed in compliance with this code.
C. An applicant shall determine property lines prior to constructing a fence and shall ensure the fence does not encroach upon another lot or parcel of land. The owner shall satisfy one of the following: submit a copy of a survey drawing indicating the location of property lines in the area of the proposed fence; locate and mark the property corners so they are visible at the time of inspection; or submit a signed statement from the abutting owner or owners stating that they approve of the proposed location of the fence.
(3) Front Yards. Except for invisible fences, fences are not permitted in any front yard. Shrubbery and hedges may be permitted in the front yard; provided, they do not exceed a height of three feet. (Ord. 14-29. Passed 10-27-14.)
(4) Side and Rear Yards. Fences in side and rear yards shall comply with the following standards.
A. Except for the M-1 and M-2 Districts, the maximum height in all Districts is six feet, except chain link fences in Residential Districts, or that part of a PUD that is exclusively for Residential Uses, which shall not exceed four feet in height. For the M-1 and M-2 Districts, the maximum height is seven feet.(Res 19-R-40. Passed 4-22-19.)
B. All fences may be placed on the property line; provided, the location conforms to all other applicable regulations of this code section.
(5) Swimming Pools. Fences shall be installed to surround all swimming pools, whether in- or above-ground, (collectively, “swimming pool”), as follows:
A. The immediate surrounds of the swimming pool or the yard in which it is located, shall be fenced and equipped with a self-latching gate with a self-closing lock to prevent uncontrolled access into any swimming pool.
B. Any ladders or stairs providing access to a pool shall be enclosed by a fence and/or self-latching and self-locking gate to prevent uncontrolled access.
C. The fence shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner to secure the pool from unauthorized entry.
D. The fence shall be at least four, but not more than six, feet above the natural grade.
(6) Landscaping. Chain link or privacy fences/walls exceeding four feet in height in Commercial, Business and Manufacturing Districts that abut a Residential District or Residential Use or are located directly across a street or right-of-way from a Residential District or Use shall be bordered by landscaping. A landscape plan shall be submitted with the application and shall include planting adjacent to the fence or wall, facing the Residential District and shall include:
A. One shrub for every six feet of fence.
B. At least one half of all shrubs shall be evenly spaced and all shrubs shall be attractively arranged, with a minimum 50 percent year round opacity. At least 50 percent of the shrubs shall be evergreen. Shrubs shall be a minimum of two feet in height at the time of planting and shall be of a type expected to reach at least six feet at maturity with a spread of at least six feet.
(7) Maintenance.
A. All fences, walls, and hedges shall be maintained in good condition, with all boards, posts, slats and gates securely in place, structurally sound and completely finished at all times, including painted surfaces. Any grounds between the structures and property lines shall be well maintained at all times, and clear of debris, weeds and overgrowth.
B. All fences located within an R-R District, and which are constructed in order to, at any time, confine livestock, shall be locked securely and maintained in a manner to prevent the wondering of livestock from the fenced area.
