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Bristol
Town of Bristol Zoning Ordinance
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§ 28-146

Fences

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to install, erect, construct, relocate or alter a fence within the town without first obtaining a permit from the building inspector. No permit shall be issued if the building official determines that the proposed fence does not meet the requirements of this section. A sketch or design of the proposed fence including a description of materials to be used and specification of height shall be submitted with the application for a permit.

  • (b) Height requirements. A fence shall not exceed the following height:

    • (1) The maximum height of a fence is four feet in the front yard set back area of the zone the property is located in. Corner lots and through lots will have more than one front lot line.

    • (2) The maximum height of a fence is three feet for fences located adjacent to a driveway on either the property or abutting property and for a distance of ten feet from the road so as not to obstruct the clear view of traffic or pedestrians. Except however, this height restriction shall not apply to fences in which the design or construction of the fence allows clear visibility threw the fence and does not create a safety hazard to traffic or pedestrians.

    • (3) The maximum height of a fence located in all other areas is six feet, except as approved by the planning board as part of a subdivision or development plan approval.

    • (4) Fence poles placed a minimum of seven feet apart may exceed the maximum fence height by ten inches.

  • (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, install, or maintain a fence or hedge which obstructs the public right-of-way or obscures clear view of traffic in intersections or driveways which creates a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Except, it shall be lawful to keep and maintain a fence which is considered historic, provided appropriate mirrors, lights, reflective devices, signs or other means are installed to warn of a possible obstruction to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

  • (d) All partition fences shall run on the dividing line, and the owners shall have the right to place one-half of the width thereof on the land of each adjoining proprietor. The fences shall be kept up and maintained in good order through the year, unless the parties concerned shall otherwise agree (RIGL § 34-10-9).

  • (e) The finish side of the fence shall face the abutting property or the road.

  • (f) Unless otherwise provided, the building official shall be the fence viewer.