Arlington County Residential Fence Height Standards
In residential districts within Arlington County, fences and walls located in the front yard (the required street setback) are generally restricted to a maximum height of 4 feet. On corner lots, specific provisions allow for fences up to 6 feet in height in the side or rear portions of the street setback, provided they are set back at least 3 feet from the public right-of-way and do not obstruct sightlines at intersections. Fences in side and rear yards not abutting a street may reach a maximum height of 7 feet in most Arlington County residential zones [§3.2.6.A.3.e].
General Fence Height Regulations in Arlington County
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance regulates the height of fences and walls based on their location on a property and the specific zoning district. For properties in Residential (R) and Residential Apartment (RA) districts, the following technical standards apply:
Technical Standards for Fences and Walls
| Location on Residential Property | Maximum Allowable Height | Specific Conditions/Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard (Required Street Setback) | 4 feet | Measured from the ground surface [§3.2.6.A.3.e]. |
| Side and Rear Yards | 7 feet | Applies to yards not abutting a street [§3.2.6.A.3.e]. |
| Corner Lot: Side/Rear Street Setback | 6 feet | Must be located at least 3 feet from the public right-of-way [§3.2.6.A.3.e]. |
| Corner Lot: Visual Clearance Triangle | 3 feet | Measured within 25 feet of the intersection of street lines [§3.2.6.A.4]. |
Specific Provisions for Front Yards and Street Setbacks
Under the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, the "front yard" is defined as an open space extending across the full width of the lot and abutting the front lot line [§3.1.9.B.1]. Because front yards are situated within the "required street setback," they are subject to height limitations intended to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and traffic safety.
The 4-Foot Rule
As a general rule, Arlington County permits fences and walls up to 4 feet in height to encroach into any required street setback [§3.2.6.A.3.e.1]. This applies to all residential properties, including those in the R-20, R-10, R-8, R-6, and R-5 districts.
Exceptions for Corner Lots
Arlington County provides specific relief for owners of corner lots. While the 4-foot limit applies to the primary front yard, a higher fence may be permitted in the secondary street setback (the street-facing side or rear yard):
- Side and Rear Street Setbacks: Fences up to 6 feet in height may be erected in the required street setback of a side or rear yard on a corner lot, provided the fence is located no closer than 3 feet from any public right-of-way [§3.2.6.A.3.e.1.i].
- Standard Side/Rear Height: If a fence on a corner lot is located behind the required street side setback line, it may reach the standard 7-foot height allowed for side and rear yards [§3.2.6.A.3.e.2.i].
Safety and Visibility Requirements
Arlington County mandates strict visibility standards for fences located near intersections to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists.
Visual Clearance (Sight Triangles)
Regardless of the maximum height otherwise allowed, any fence on a corner lot in an Arlington County R or RA district must comply with the following visual clearance rules:
- No structure, including fences or shrubbery, may exceed a height of 3 feet within the sight triangle [§3.2.6.A.4.a].
- The sight triangle is formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting those street lines 25 feet from their intersection [§3.2.6.A.4.a].
- This restriction applies to the area between 3 feet and 10 feet above the curb level to ensure an unobstructed view for drivers [§3.2.6.A.4.a].
Prohibited Materials and Features
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance prohibits certain features for residential fences:
- Attracting Attention: Balloons or other devices designed to attract attention to goods or services are prohibited on fences [§13.4.2.C].
- Safety Hazards: Fences that falsely imply the need for stopping or caution (mimicking traffic signs) are prohibited [§13.4.2.K].
- Safety Components: Handrails and guardrails required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) for safety are excluded from the calculation of the maximum height of a wall [§3.2.6.A.3.e.3].
Sections Cited
- §3.1.9 Setbacks and yards
- §3.2.6 Placement
- §13.4.2 Signs prohibited in all districts