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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Women in Business Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 19, 2007 Click image for larger view An 8-foot fence topped with barbed wire is pushing the limits of Medford's city code, but the owner of this Seroba Circle property wants the code changed so he can keep the deterrent to vandals. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) Barbed wire controversy A Medford man says an 8-foot fence and barbed wire is the only way to keep vandals out; the city says it violates code By Meg Landers Mail Tribune Medford resident Sheldon Chambers says he was glad to finally find a solution to keep vandals away from his north Medford property — by topping his 8-foot fence with barbed wire — but is frustrated that the city is threatening to force him to remove it. Chambers was recently cited by a city code enforcement officer and told he must get rid of the strands of barbed wire atop his wooden fence. So the Medford resident who uses the property for storage but lives elsewhere is pleading with the city to let him keep it. Chambers, who has a Municipal Court date set for March 27, approached the Medford City Council Thursday asking it to change the city code to allow the barbed wire. Chambers said for the 40 years he's owned the property, he's fought with keeping vandals and trespassers at bay. Advertisement He said the property, which has several buildings, a trailer and old vehicles on it, has been a magnet for trespassing and trashing. He said motorcyclists used to ride around the houses and throw rocks and break windows in the buildings and vehicles. He said he tried several approaches, then got a permit from the city to build an 8-foot fence around his three lots, which the city allowed as long as it was 20 feet back from the street. He said people still came over the fence and vandalized the property. That's when he resorted to the barbed wire. The vandalism stopped, he said, but the city is threatening to cite him if he does not remove the wire. "Barbed wire fencing is not allowed in residential areas," said Glenda Owens, city recorder. Chambers said he has seen other Medford properties with barbed wire fencing. City Attorney John Huttl said barbed wire is only permitted in commercial and industrial zoning, not in residential, as Chambers' property is. Councilman Ben Truwe wondered if there's another solution. "We don't want to have a proliferation of barbed wire fences between neighbors who don't like each other," he said. Owens said Chambers' other option was to seek an exception from the planning commission. City Planning Director Rob Scott spoke with Chambers following the meeting about getting together to consider seeking an exception. Scott said he's not aware of any other exceptions being granted for barbed wire in residential neighborhoods. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary