Grass Valley Corner Lot Fence and Visibility Standards
In the City of Grass Valley, fences or walls located within the front or street-side setbacks of any lot are generally restricted to a maximum height of 36 inches [Section 17.30.040]. Additionally, Grass Valley requires a "traffic safety visibility area" at all street intersections—excluding the Town Core (TC), Neighborhood Center (NC), and NC-Flex zones—where structures, signs, and landscaping must not exceed 36 inches in height within a 35-foot triangle measured from the intersection of the curb lines [Section 17.30.050].
Fence and Wall Height Regulations
The City of Grass Valley regulates the height of fences and walls based on their location on the property and their proximity to street frontages. On corner lots, the "street side" refers to the side of the lot adjacent to a public or private street that is not the primary front lot line.
General Fence Height Standards
The following table outlines the maximum heights permitted for fences and walls within the City of Grass Valley:
| Location of Fence or Wall | Maximum Height Allowed |
|---|---|
| Within front or street side setback | 36 inches |
| Within interior side or rear setback | 6 feet (1) |
| Outside of a required setback | 6 feet (1) |
(1) Exceptions for Higher Fences: Grass Valley may allow a fence or wall up to eight feet in height if the portions above six feet are of an "open fencing" design, such as lattice, wrought iron, or grille work. Alternatively, a solid fence up to eight feet may be authorized through the approval of a Minor Use Permit [Section 17.30.040].
Prohibited Materials
Grass Valley explicitly prohibits the use of certain materials for fencing in all zones. This includes razor or concertina wire (either alone or on a fence) when located within a front or street side setback. Barbed wire or electrified fencing is also prohibited unless specifically approved by the Community Development Director for animal control purposes [Section 17.30.040].
Traffic Safety Visibility Areas (Sight Triangles)
To ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the City of Grass Valley mandates clear sightlines at street and alley intersections. These requirements apply to all development except for those located in the Town Core (TC), Neighborhood Center (NC), and Neighborhood Center-Flex (NC-Flex) zones [Section 17.30.050].
Measurement and Dimensions
The visibility area is a triangle formed by measuring 35 feet from the intersection of the extension of the front and street-side curb lines (or the right-of-way lines if there is no curb) and connecting those two points across the property [Section 17.30.050].
Height Restrictions within the Triangle
Within this 35-foot sight triangle, the following restrictions apply:
- Maximum Height: No structure, sign, or landscape element shall exceed 36 inches in height [Section 17.30.050].
- Landscaping: Any landscape material placed within the Traffic Safety Visibility Area on the street sides of a corner parcel must not exceed three feet in height [Section 17.34.060].
- Tree Maintenance: Trees are permitted within the visibility area only if their canopy is trimmed to a minimum of eight feet above the grade to maintain a clear view for drivers [Section 17.30.050].
Corner Lot Building Placement
In specific Grass Valley zones, such as the Town Core (TC), Neighborhood Center (NC), and Neighborhood General 3 (NG-3), the City has established Build-to-Line (BTL) requirements that affect corner lots.
| Zone | Primary Street BTL Requirement | Side Street (Corner Lot) BTL Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Town Core (TC) | 80% minimum built to BTL | 30% minimum built to BTL [Section 17.21.040] |
| Neighborhood Center (NC) | 80% minimum built to BTL | 30% minimum built to BTL [Section 17.21.050] |
| Neighborhood General 3 (NG-3) | 60% minimum built to BTL | 30% minimum built to BTL [Section 17.21.070] |
In these zones, street facades must be built to the BTL within 30 feet of every corner [Section 17.21.040].
Sections Cited
- Section 17.21.040 - Town core (TC) standards
- Section 17.21.050 - Neighborhood center (NC) standards
- Section 17.21.070 - Neighborhood general 3 (NG-3) standards
- Section 17.30.040 - Fences, walls, and screening
- Section 17.30.050 - Height limits and exceptions
- Section 17.34.060 - Visual obstructions