Fire-Resistant Fence Connections

When it comes time to install a new fence or replace an old one within Ashland city limits, Ashland's Wildfire Safety Ordinance states that you are required to obtain a fence permit from Ashland Community Development, and any fencing attached to a building or deck shall be made of noncombustible materials within five feet of the connection to the structure.

There are several non-combustible or fire-resistant fence options available in stores, online, or by request to fencing contractors, that are acceptable and can prevent the spread of fire to your home. Non-wood fencing alternatives vary greatly in cost, and not all options may be allowed to be installed within five feet of the structure. For fence connections (or gates) that attach to your home, business, workshop, sheds, or other structures on your property:

  • Evaluate your buildings where fences will connect. What materials are the buildings constructed of?
    • Are the buildings hardened? (i.e. stucco, cement, masonry, steel siding? Boxed eaves or a 2-3 story building?)
    • Are buildings sided with wood products? (i.e. Wood siding, shake shingle siding? Wood trim?)
    • Are there vulnerable exposures like windows, vents, or eaves within 10 feet of the fence connection?
      • Are those windows single pane or dual pane? Damaged?
      • Are eaves open or boxed?
      • Are attic and crawlspace vents screened with a 1/8-inch metal mesh (or a fire rated product that meets R327 requirements)?
  • If the building is constructed of wood (with wood or vinyl siding) or there are vulnerable exposures like single-pane windows, unprotected vents, or open eaves within 10 feet,
    • You are required to install noncombustible fencing within five feet of the structure.
  • If the structure you are attaching the fence to is constructed of fire-resistant or noncombustible materials, including siding like fiber cement, stucco, brick, or concrete, then exemptions may be possible dependent upon fire department review and approval:
    • Class A or B rated fire-resistant fence materials like fiber cement board, composites, or other materials might be acceptable based on fire department review. A design plan and product materials sheets showing fire-resistance ratings will need to be submitted to the Fire Dept. for review and approval. 

Fence Permit - Exemptions to the Ordinance

If you are applying for a Fence Permit and seek an exemption to the "noncombustible fencing materials within five feet of the connection to the structure" (18.4.4.060.B.8) requirement, the following conditions will be reviewed by the Fire Code Official in order to grant an exemption. Items 1 and 2 must be met before a site inspection will be considered:

  1. The portion of the structure (within 10-feet) adjoining the proposed combustible fence material must be constructed with ignition-resistant building materials sufficient to reduce the spread of fire from the combustible fence materials to the structure. If this isn't the case, the exemption can be denied.
    • Noncombustible siding materials include masonry products, metal, plaster, and stucco. 
    • Fiber cement board is rated as a fire-resistant product. It is not classified as non-combustible, and as such, may be subject to a detailed review.
      • Please Note: building to R327 minimum requirements does NOT guarantee exemption approval for wood fence connections within 0-5-feet. Fire Department review and approval of AMC18.4.4.060.B.8 Exemption Requests shall occur before any wood fence connections are built in the 0-5-foot zone of a building, or said fencing may be ordered to be removed or modified to meet ordinance requirements. 
  2. A noncombustible area must be established within 5-feet of the proposed fence connection to the structure in accordance with General Fuel Modification Area Standards in AMC18.3.10.100.B.2.
    • Planting plans should be included with an exemption request and submitted to the fire department if any existing or planned vegetation is within 10-feet of the proposed connection location. This helps avoid costly removals, modification, or replanting of vegetation during the review process. 
  3. The proximity of any flammable vegetation listed on the City's Prohibited Flammable Plant List will be considered. Depending on the height, width, species, and proximity to the proposed fence, these factors will be taken into account on an inspection only if the first two items are met.
  4. The distance of the proposed combustible fence to the building's eaves (if any) and eave construction type:
    • The susceptibility of proximal eaves to fire exposure from the combustible fence materials, considering the construction materials and techniques used for eaves and vents and the distance between the proposed fence and adjacent eaves.

Contact the Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator for questions.