ZDC 4-706. Screens, Walls and Access Control Landscapes.

A. General Fence and Wall Height Standards.
1. The maximum height of any freestanding wall or fence shall be measured from the highest adjacent finished surface of the ground, paving, or sidewalk within twenty (20) feet, unless otherwise noted;

2. Walls or fences in a required front yard building setback, including walls for single-family dwellings, shall be four (4) feet maximum in height. An increase in the maximum four (4) foot height may be permitted subject to a use permit. With a use permit, the maximum height may be up to six (6) feet, except that an additional two (2) feet of height may be permitted for architectural features including but not limited to archways, pergolas, and other similar features. For all
heights above four (4) feet, the use permit shall demonstrate that a natural surveillance to the street will be maintained by incorporating openings, providing transparent materials, or varying height/materials;

3. In areas behind a required front yard building setback and within the required rear and side yards, the maximum height of walls shall be ten (10) feet, except where a taller wall is necessary to screen service areas under Section 4-706(G). For single-family uses, the maximum height shall be eight (8) feet;

4. The Clear Vision Requirements, Section 4-702(G), shall apply to fences and walls; and

5. All fences and walls shall be subject to city review and approval through development plan review, or by approval of the Development Services Manager, or designee. Any wall in excess of six (6) feet shall require a building permit, as
required by Building Code.

Click Here to be redirected to General Fence and Wall Height Standards in the City Code.

A common example:

A common violation for this code is a property with a fence that is too high without a building permit. The violation in this scenario is having an unapproved wall over six (6) feet in height.