SALEM — The Salem Planning Commission has forwarded an ordinance modifying rules for fences to the city council.

“The original ordinance was very vague, with only two paragraphs, the new one clarifies the rules significantly,” said city Planning and Zoning Officer Chip Hank.

The ordinance clarifies the restrictions on how large fences within the city can be, and where they can be built, among many other changes. The ordinance also makes fences in the side and rear of a property distinct from those in the front, allowing them to be 6 feet tall, with fencing in the front yard limited to 4 feet in height, as opposed to a universal limit of 4 feet in height previously.

The commission voted unanimously to accept the ordinance and forward it to the city council for a vote in its next meeting.

In other business, Mayor John Berlin requested the commission appoint a member for the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council. The council is required for the disbursement of funds for the post-1994 CRA which covers many parts of Salem, and must be comprised of two members selected by the mayor and two members of city council appointed by council. The commission appointed Committee Vice-Chairman Barbara Loudon, who joins Councilman Jake Gano, Councilman Dennis Plegge and City Service Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello.

As Loudon was also the committee’s representative to the Design Review Board, Committee Secretary Samantha Bahr was appointed to replace her.

Planning Commission Chairman John Panezott thanked Berlin for his years of service and wished him well in his coming retirement.