A fence ordinance that does not change the rules outlined by an ordinance that was already in place but better provides for enforcement of those rules was passed with a split vote of the Bogalusa City Council on Tuesday.

Randy Hodges and Penny Williams voted against the ordinance, but the remaining members of the council voted in its favor.

After the ordinance was adopted, Councilman Teddy Drummond opened the agenda to propose an amendment that would allow decorative tops to be added on top of six foot fences in the rear yards of residential properties.

That amendment was passed unanimously.

The fence ordinance generally allows residential fences of up to six feet high in rear and rear side yards or of up to eight feet high where abutting commercial or industrial properties.

Front and front side residential fences of up to four feet high are allowed if they are made of chain link, woven wire or split rails. Those made of other materials and sight obscuring fences may be no more than three-and-a-half feet high.

Front and front side yards that abut commercial or industrial properties may be up to six feet in height.

Commercial fences may be up to eight feet high along the rear and sides and of up to six feet high in the front and front yard set back area.

Motor vehicle wrecking or junkyards are required to be enclosed by sight obscuring fences or walls of eight feet in height.

The council also unanimously:

* Approved an ordinance that authorizes the mayor to enter into a contract with the successful bidder for George Carr Memorial Airport runway 18-36 pavement restoration.

* Passed a resolution to ratify the distribution of a bid package for the purchase of $1,990,000 of Revenue Anticipation Notes, Series 2011 of the City of Bogalusa; accept the bids; authorize the execution of documents; and provide for other related matters.

For more on the council meeting, see the Sunday News.