Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - April 2019

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.14. Fences and Walls 5.14.1. Purpose

Where practicable, the external sides of screening walls shall be landscaped to soften their visual impact in accordance with Section 5.14.8.A.6, Fence and Wall Landscaping. The gate shall be constructed of metal or composite wood and shall incorporate colors and design that are visually consistent with those of the screening walls.

SECTION 5.14. FENCES AND WALLS

5.14.1. Purpose

The purpose of this section is to regulate the location, height, and appearance of fences and walls to maintain visual harmony within neighborhoods and the Town, protect adjacent properties from the indiscriminate placement and unsightliness of fences and walls, and ensure the safety, security, and privacy of properties.

5.14.2. Applicability

This section shall apply to all development, new fences or walls associated with the expansion of an existing principal structure, new fences or walls associated with a change in use, or replacement of fences or walls not required for support of a principal or accessory structure, or any other linear barrier intended to delineate different portions of a lot. If there is any inconsistency between the provisions of this section and any screening standard in Section 5.13, Screening, the standards in Section 5.13 shall control.

5.14.3. Prohibited Fences and Walls

A. Barbed Wire, Concertina Wire, and Above Ground Electrified Fences Fences using barbed or concertina wire and above ground electrified fences shall be prohibited unless used in association with agricultural activities or allowed through an approved security plan (see Section 5.14.9, Security Plan Fences and Walls). Underground electric fences designed for control of domestic animals are allowed. B. Debris, Junk, Rolled Plastic, Sheet Metal, Plywood, or Other Waste Materials Fences or walls made of debris, junk, rolled plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or waste materials are prohibited unless such materials have been recycled and reprocessed for marketing to the general public as building materials that resemble new building materials (e.g., picket fencing made from recycled plastic and fiber). 5.14.4. Limited Fences and Walls Allowed in the Transit-Oriented Development and Main Street Districts To promote an integrated pattern of development and provide for frequent pedestrian connection, fences and walls in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) District and the Main Street (MS) District shall be limited to: A. Fencing used for tree protection (see Section 5.4.6.B, Protective Fencing and Signage); B. Fences and walls used for required screening (see Section 5.7, Perimeter and Streetyard Buffers, Section 5.12.4.C, Perimeter Landscaping, Section 5.13, Screening, and the use-specific standards in Section 4.2.5, Principal Use-Specific Standards, and Section 4.3.5, Accessory Use-Specific Standards); C. Decorative metal sectional fencing used to define outdoor dining areas; D. Decorative metal sectional fencing used to define outdoor child play spaces; and E. Fences required around swimming pools by the Building Code.

Morrisville, NC

April 23, 2019

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 5-135