Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield — At a special meeting on Friday evening, the Wakefield Planning Commission voted to send a revised version of the city’s fencing ordinance to the Wakefield City Council.
“This is for all new construction,” said City Manager Robert Brown Jr.
He added, however, that property owners wishing to replace any of their existing fencing will need to check the revised ordinance, which is only one and one-half pages.
The proposed ordinance covers details relating to varying maximum heights for front yards (four feet), side yards up until the front line of the main dwelling (four feet), remainder of side yards (six feet), and back yards (eight feet).
In addition, the ordinance states that fences may not be more than four feet high for a 20-foot stretch on each side of any corner intersection, “so as not to interfere with traffic visibility.”
In relation to placement, fences in front yards cannot be placed fewer than one foot from the inside sidewalk line. Fences also cannot be placed fewer than two feet from neighboring property lines on the sides and back of the lot.
“I like that,” said commission member James Anderson, of the gap in property that remains outside of the fence. “Then you can get your weed wacker in and mow and paint — whatever you’ve got to do.”
Another ordinance requirement for front yard fences is that they be “50% or more opaque.” In acknowledging related options, Brown told the Daily Globe later by phone, “A picket fence would work.”
Front yards also must include a gated opening of at least 36 inches. Brown said any additional gates will be optional.
The ordinance also states that, on all four sides of a yard, the finished side of the fence must face toward neighboring property or toward the road.
Brown also told the Daily Globe that any gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground will be up to the property owner, who should consider maintenance needs relating to mowing and trimming, as well as movement of small critters.
The ordinance also notes that building permits will be required for all fences, and materials must be approved by the city’s building inspector. Brown said nearly any material likely will be fine.
He noted that a chain-link fence might be acceptable on the outskirts of town where agricultural concerns or hazardous materials might benefit from such an enclosure. Barbed wire fencing generally will be frowned upon, he said.
“There’s always the possibility of a variance,” said Brown, who noted that one candidate might be someone who cannot construct a fence two feet within the property line due to a ditch.
In summarizing the need for the ordinance update, Brown said modern times are part of the impetus. “There’s a change in culture a little bit,” he said in relation to neighborly patience.
As he explained, persons displeased with fences on neighboring properties can result in creating a chain of complaints from the city to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, ultimately resulting in widespread headaches.
The new ordinance also includes directions for protecting swimming pools from small children.
Brown concluded that the city’s building code also covers related fencing concerns.
According to Brown, the council will conduct the first reading of the as-yet-unnumbered ordinance at its April 26 meeting.
A second reading and public hearing will take place at the council’s May 10 meeting. Brown said a 30-day window then will occur before the ordinance goes into effect.
The commission’s next regular meeting will be on May 11.
Both council meetings and the commission meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal building. Masking and social distancing will be required in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Persons wishing to attend virtually may request a link by calling the city at 906-229-5131.
