§ 13.16.485. Fence, electrically charged security.

The construction and use of electrically charged security fencing shall be allowed within the corporate limits of the City of Council Bluffs as provided in this chapter, subject to the following:

(1)

Installation. Unless otherwise specified herein, electrically charged security fences shall be constructed or installed in conformance with the specifications set forth in the International Electro Technical Commission (IEC) Standard No. 60335-2-76, and in compliance with the zoning regulations of the City of Council Bluffs.

(2)

Electrification.

(A)

The energizer for electrically charged security fencing must be driven by a commercial storage battery not to exceed twelve (12) volts DC. The storage battery shall be charged primarily by a solar panel, however, the solar panel may be augmented by a commercial trickle charger.

(B)

The electric charge produced by the fence upon contact shall not exceed energizer characteristics set forth in paragraph 22.108 as depicted in figure 102 of the IEC Standard No. 60335-2-76.

(C)

Non-low voltage electrical components (e.g. controllers, transformers) of the electric fencing system shall be approved and listed by an Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

(3)

Perimeter Fence or Wall. No electrically charged security fence shall be installed or used unless it is completely surrounded by a non-electrical fence or wall that is not less than eight feet in height.

(4)

Height. Electrically charged security fences shall not exceed ten (10) feet in developed height.

(5)

Warning Signs. An electrically charged security fence shall be clearly identified with warning signs that read, "Warning-Electric Fence-High Voltage" at intervals not to exceed sixty (60) feet in developed spacing with a minimum of two per longitudinal length of fencing and within ten (10) feet of any means of ingress/egress through the fencing barrier. Signage shall be provided in both English and Spanish. Additionally, symbolic icon signage shall be provided at each required location as established in the IED Standard 60335-2-76 depicting electrified fencing.

(6)

Means of Disconnection of Electrical Components at Primary Entrance; Emergency Access. A Knox Box shall be installed for emergency access by Council Bluffs Fire Department. A means to disconnect the electrical power to the fence shall be readily accessible for the fire department. Disconnect switches and controls shall be in an accessible location on the property and shall not be obscured in any manner from the street/private ingress/egress access. Approved signage stating the identification of such switches and controls in addition to informational instructions as to how to disable the electrical system shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Council Bluffs Fire Marshal. In the event that access by the city of Council Bluffs Fire Department and/or Police Department personnel to where a permitted electrical fence has been installed and is operating is required due to an emergency or urgent circumstance, and the Knox Box device referenced above is absent or nonfunctional, and the owner, manager, employee or custodian, or any other individual with control over the property is not present to disable the electric fence, fire and police personnel shall be authorized to disable the electric fence in order to gain access to the property. As a condition of permit issuance, all applicants issued permits to install and use an electric fence as provided in this chapter will agree to waive any and all claims for damage to the electric fence against the City of Council Bluffs and/or city personnel directly responding to an alarm, notice or threat under such circumstances.

All applicants for electrically charged security fencing shall provide the Council Bluffs Police Department with an "emergency access plan" which shall outline, in detail, how police personnel will be able to safely access the property during an emergency. This plan must be approved by the Chief of Police or his designee prior to the issuance of a permit for said fence.

(7)

Registration. All fences defined as "fence, electrically charged security" shall require an initial permit with the fee established in Chapter 2.08, "Schedule of Fees." Additionally, all electrically charged security fence installations and their associated electrical components shall be inspected annually by the permits and inspections division and the fire marshal for adequacy and compliance based on the initial approval of said fencing. An annual registration shall be required and the fee shall be established in Chapter 2.08, "Schedule of Fees."

(Ord. No. 6256, § 1, 1-11-2016).