Council Streamlines, Clarifies Regulations For Milton Fences

MILTON, GA — Milton’s City Council voted Monday night to amend certain fencing requirements, moves intended to streamline regulations, eliminate inconsistencies, and allow for a uniquely Milton-esque look across the city.

The proposed changes affect fences throughout the city, with some special requirements for those along and visible from public roads. Notably, too, they do not force people to put up fences or affect existing ones; rather, these changes impact anyone wishing to erect a new fence. One of the main goals is to create a more standardized look that’s appealing for those driving by, suitable for property owners (including those who own horses), and in line with Milton’s brand.

The first text amendment approved was among the most wide-ranging, including alterations to:

• Require an intercom/keypad outside a private gate to be at least 15 feet from the “right of way.” While the city had required gates to be at least 20 feet away, no-hing had been specified for intercoms. This addressed potential safety and traffic issues to prevent vehicles at keypads from jutting into a main road.
• Prohibit chain link fencing around stormwater facilities.
• Have fence heights be the same across zoning districts.

The city council also approved requirements on the look and location of “equestrian fences.” In doing so, they also addressed opaque fences (meaning a fence that blocks light from going through). New opaque fences would be allowed if they’re outside the 60-foot rural view shed so long as they’re not visible from main, public roads at any time of year.

The council also discussed the definition of an equestrian fence, especially those with galvanized welded wire added. They voted that such wire could be placed on either side of the equestrian fence (so on the side facing toward the fence-owner’s property or the side facing away from it.) The galvanized wire would either be unpainted or painted the same color as the rest of the fence.