Raleigh Fence Height Standards for Side and Rear Yards
In the City of Raleigh, fences located within side and rear setbacks are generally permitted a maximum height of 8 feet. If a side or rear yard is adjacent to a street, the maximum height is reduced to 6.5 feet, and the portion of the fence above 4 feet must be no more than 50% opaque. Fences used for specific neighborhood transitions or protective yards may be allowed up to 9 feet to provide adequate screening between differing land uses.
General Fence Height Regulations
The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) establishes height limits based on the specific location of the fence relative to property lines and street frontages. While 8 feet is the standard for most residential side and rear yards, safety and visibility requirements impose lower limits when the fence faces a public right-of-way.
| Yard Location | Maximum Height | Requirements & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| General Side or Rear Setback | 8 feet | Standard maximum height for most districts [Sec. 7.2.8.B.9]. |
| Side or Rear Yard (Street-Adjacent) | 6.5 feet | Applies when the yard is adjacent to a street; opacity above 4 feet cannot exceed 50% [Sec. 7.2.8.B.9]. |
| Protective Yard (General) | 8 feet | Fences must be "closed" (no openings) [Sec. 7.2.4.D.3.a]. |
| Neighborhood Transition Zone | 9 feet | Allowed for Type 1 (Narrow) and Type 2 (Medium) transition yards between different zoning districts [Sec. 3.5.3.A.2.a]. |
| Heavy Industrial (IH) District | Exempt | Fences in IH districts are exempt from the standard residential/mixed-use height limits [Sec. 7.2.8.B.9]. |
Specific Setback Conditions
Under the Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance, the "street-adjacent" rule is critical for corner lots. If a property owner intends to build a fence in a side yard that runs along a side street, the 6.5-foot limit applies to ensure the fence does not obstruct the views of motorists [Sec. 7.2.8.B.9].
Furthermore, any wall or fence located within 20 feet of a "Thoroughfare" right-of-way that is higher than 42 inches must be screened with evergreen planting materials so that at least one-fourth of the surface is covered within three years [Sec. 7.2.8.C.1].
Neighborhood Transitions and Buffering
When a Mixed Use or Campus District property abuts a Residential District, the Raleigh Planning Department requires "Neighborhood Transitions." These transitions often necessitate taller barriers to mitigate the impact of commercial activity on homes.
- Type 1 (Narrow): Requires a wall between 6.5 and 9 feet in height [Sec. 3.5.3.A.2.a].
- Type 2 (Medium): Allows either a wall or a fence between 6.5 and 9 feet in height [Sec. 3.5.3.B.2.a].
Prohibited Materials and Locations
Raleigh residents and developers must adhere to the following restrictions regarding fence placement and composition:
- Utility Easements: No wall or fence may be located within a City of Raleigh utility easement without prior written approval from the Public Utilities Director [Sec. 7.2.8.B.3].
- Drainage Easements: Placement in drainage easements requires approval from the Engineering Services Director [Sec. 7.2.8.B.4].
- Tree Conservation: Fences are prohibited within designated tree conservation areas [Sec. 7.2.8.B.2].
- Materials: Fences must be constructed of high-quality materials such as wood, brick, stone, or composite fencing. Chain-link fences are prohibited in front or side street setbacks in all districts except for the Heavy Industrial (IH) district [Sec. 7.2.8.B.1, Sec. 7.2.8.B.6].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 3.5.3. Zone A: Protective Yard
- Sec. 7.2.4. Protective Yards
- Sec. 7.2.8. Walls and Fences