This article covers how to get a permit for building a fence in Groveport, Ohio. Please note that we try to keep this information up to date but we do not represent City of Groveport.
For fences you only need to obtain a Fence Zoning Permit from the City of Groveport. You only need a building permit if the fence will be greater than 6 feet in height. No additional certificate or permit is required from Franklin County.
How to get a fence permit in Groveport, Ohio?
Complete an Application for a Fence Zoning Permit
Complete the Application, which you can find here. Attach two copies of a site plan showing the location of fence and gates.
Fees for Fence Permit:
$25 Residential / $100 Non-residential.
Where to file the application:
File the application in person at the following address:
City of Groveport
Building & Zoning Department
655 Blacklick St
Groveport, OH 43125
614-830-2045
Where to ask a question?
You can contact Building & Zoning Department staff at (614) 830-2045.
Summary of Groveport Residential Fencing Regulations
The following types of fences are not permitted:
- Barbed wire or similar sharp point fences
- Electrically charged fences
Location of fencing:
- Fences must be set back a minimum of 6” from the property lines
- Board on board or stockade fences cannot abut on an improved right of way
- Fences must be set back at least ten (10) feet from the front of the house.
Height of fencing:
- No fence over thirty-six (36) inches in height shall be located in a front yard beyond the front of the structure.
- Maximum height of fencing in residential areas is six (6) feet.
- Maximum height of fencing in a commercial district, fencing is (10) feet in height.
All posts and supporting cross elements shall face the property.
Groveport Ohio Fence Regulations
The following is the sections of the City of Groveport Zoning Ordinance relevant to fence installation.
CHAPTER 1174 FENCES
1174.01 PERMITS REQUIRED
(a) No person shall commence to erect, enlarge, or move any fence within the Municipality or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a fence permit from the Municipal Administrator or designee.
(b) To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished for that purpose. Each application shall include a plot plan showing the proposed fence location, the location of all existing structures, and a drawing elevation of the fence including all dimensions.
1174.02 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
(a) No fence or hedge shall be erected nearer to the right-of-way than the required building setback line. It may be permissible to erect no more than two (2) sets of eight (8) foot length decorative fence sections in front of the building setback line, provided they are not nearer than five (5) feet to the right-of-way of any street and do not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height.
(b) Decorative fences shall not be of solid construction such as stockade, basket weave, or chain link.
(c) No fence over thirty-six (36) inches in height shall be located in a front yard beyond the front of the structure.
(d) The maximum height of a fence in a residential or rural district shall be six (6) feet and the maximum height of a fence is a commercial district shall be ten (10) feet.
(e) Fences or walls supported by posts on one side of the fence or wall shall be erected so that exposed posts and supporting cross elements shall face the property initiating the request or on which the fence will be constructed. This section shall not apply if the fence is the same on both sides such as split rail or board-on-board.
(f) Temporary snow fences forty eight (48) inches or less in height may be erected during the months of December through March each year in a location approved by the Municipal Administrator or designee. Such fences are to be used only to control the drifting of snow on walks, driveways, streets, or alleys.
(g) Solid fences shall not block drainage swales.
(h) Existing, non-conforming fences may be reconstructed with the approval of the
Administrator or designee, provided the type, height, and location do not vary from the
original and the placement is not located within the sight distance triangle as defined in
section 1154.03(f). Fences shall not be constructed in the Right-of-Way without City
Council approval.
1174.03 BARBED WIRE FENCE
(a) No person shall cause a fence containing barbs to be erected, constructed or maintained within the Municipality of Groveport except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) hereof.
(b) Fences containing barbs may be erected to enclose areas used to contain domestic
livestock or to secure industrial properties by securing a permit from the Municipal
Administrator or designee. The Municipal Administrator or designee shall grant a permit
for barbed wire fence only after determining that, considering the nature and location of
the proposed fence, the safety of persons within the Municipality will not be endangered.
(c) When barbed wire fences enclose and secure industrial areas, the entire barbed section shall be at least seven (7) feet above the surface of the ground.
1174.04 ELECTRICALLY CHARGED FENCES
(a) No person shall erect, construct, maintain or use any fence charged with electrical current within the Municipality except as provided in subsection (b) and (c) hereof.
(b) Fences charged with electricity may be erected to contain domestic livestock by securing a permit from the Municipal Administrator or designee. The Municipal Administrator or designee shall grant a permit for an electrically charged fence only after determining that, considering the nature and location of the proposed fence, the safety of persons within the Municipality will not be endangered.
(c) Fences charged with electricity shall be allowed in commercial and industrial zoned
districts subject to approval in accordance with Chapter 1134 (Conditional Use Review).
