Do you need a Permit to Build a Fence in Wake County?
Raleigh ProConnect- March 10, 2025
Before installing a fence on your property, it’s important to know the rules. Things like:
- Do you need a permit to build a fence in your city?
- Are there restrictions on fence height or materials?
- Where can you legally place a fence on your property?
The short answer for all of these is: It depends on where you live.
Some cities in Wake County will require a permit to build any fence. Other cities only have rules about how tall the fence can be or where it can be placed on your property. And a few of them don’t require pulling a permit at all.
This guide will walk you through all the rules, permits, and local regulations for installing a fence in different cities across Wake County.
We’ll even cover what HOA rules you might run into, property line considerations, and the little details that will save you time, money, and frustration.
Because the last thing you want to do is to put up a fence only to find out, it’s not up to code—or worse, that you have to tear it down or pay a fine each day it stays up. That’s a mistake that can get pretty expensive.
To get started, check the table below to see whether your city requires a fence permit, then continue reading for details on how to apply for a permit when needed and other requirements or guidelines you’ll need to follow for each city.
Which Cities Require a Permit to Build a Fence?
| City | Fence Permit Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Angier | Yes | Must submit a Land Use Permit application to the Angier Planning & Inspections Department. |
| Apex | No | Check with the Town of Apex for any specific guidelines or restrictions |
| Cary | No | Can install a fence without a permit unless it's next to a thoroughfare or right-of-way |
| Chapel Hill | Yes | A building permit is required along with requirements of the Land Use Ordinance |
| Clayton | Yes | A Zoning Compliance Permit is required from the Town of Clayton Planning Department |
| Durham | No | No permit is required unless in a flood plain or if it's used as a pool barrier |
| Fuquay-Varina | No | Can't be installed within the right-of-way or with utility, drainage, stormwater, or other similar easements |
| Garner | Yes | A Zoning Compliance Permit is required through Garner's Permit and Inspection Portal |
| Holly Springs | No | Must meet the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance |
| Knightdale | No | Fences must comply with Section 7.6 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) |
| Morrisville | No | Must comply with local zoning ordinances |
| Raleigh | Yes | Must submit an application through the Permit and Development Portal. Requires a boundary survey outlining the work, a diagram or picture of the fence, and may need approvals from Wake County Environmental Services or the Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC) depending on where you live |
| Rolesville | No | Must comply with the Land Development Ordinance (LDO), Section 6.5 |
| Wake Forest | No | Only required if there is an easement on your property |
| Wendell | No | Specific ordinances regarding fence placement and materials must be followed |
| Zebulon | Yes | Must submit a zoning permit to the Town of Zebulon's Planning Department |
Understanding Fence Permit Requirements
As you can see from the table above, each city in Wake County has its own set of rules you must follow. Skipping the permitting process can lead to costly fines or even having to remove the fence entirely.
Before you break ground, here’s what you need to know:
When Do You Need a Fence Permit?
Some cities in Wake County require a permit for all fences, while others only require one if:
- The fence is over a certain height (typically 6 feet or more).
- It’s in a front yard or near a public right-of-way.
- It’s being built in a floodplain or near an easement.
If your city doesn’t require a permit, you still need to follow zoning codes and any Homeowner Association (HOA) rules to avoid future issues.
Why Permits Matter
A fence permit isn’t just a piece of paper—It protects you from expensive mistakes and legal issues. Here’s more on why they’re so important:
- Prevents Property Line Issues: Going through the permit process makes sure your fence is placed inside your property boundaries and not on a neighbor’s land or public right-of-way. Building in the wrong spot could mean tearing it down and starting over.
- Keeps You Clear of Easements: Some properties have utility, stormwater, or access easements where fences can’t be installed. A permit review helps you avoid blocking these areas and prevents future problems.
- Increases Your Property Value: When you build a fence that follows local guidelines, it adds value to your home, while one that’s non-compliant can create problems when selling—especially if buyers discover zoning violations during inspections.
If the city or town you live in requires a permit to put up a fence, get one before you start. It’s easier (and cheaper) than dealing with fines or a fence you have to remove.
Other Rules and Regulations on Fence Installations
Even if your city doesn’t require a permit, you’re still responsible for following local zoning codes and HOA rules.
Some homeowners learn this the hard way when they get a letter demanding modifications or complete removal of their fence because they didn’t check first.
Local Zoning Ordinances
Most cities in Wake County follow zoning ordinances that dictate:
- Fence Height – Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet, while side and backyard fences can be 6-8 feet, depending on the city. You might have to get extra approvals for a fence height higher than 6 feet in some cities.
- Placement Restrictions – Fences can’t be built in public easements, across sidewalks, or in areas that block visibility (like intersections or driveways).
- Material Restrictions: While wood, vinyl, and aluminum are widely accepted, some cities restrict chain-link fences—especially in front yards. Raleigh, Cary, and other urban areas often have rules against certain materials to maintain neighborhood aesthetics.
- Fines for Non-Compliance – Some cities charge daily fines for fences that don’t meet local regulations, which can add up fast. For example, in Wake Forest, non-compliance fees are $300 for the first day and $50 each day after that.
If you’re unsure about any of these, check your city’s zoning department before you purchase your materials.
Homeowners Associations (HOA) Guidelines
If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), getting their approval might be even more important than checking city regulations.
HOAs can have additional restrictions on fence height, materials, and how close you can build to a shared property line. They can (and will) force you to remove a fence if it doesn’t meet their guidelines.
Common HOA Restrictions:
- Fence height limits: HOAs typically have certain height restrictions for fences, which are often stricter than city ordinances.
- Material restrictions: Many HOAs ban chain-link fences and require approved materials for a uniform neighborhood appearance.
- Color requirements: Some require fences to match the colors of your home or a specific color palette.
- Placement rules: Some have set back rules limiting how close a fence can be to sidewalks, roads, and shared property lines.
Before installing your fence, read your HOA’s rules or check your deed for restrictive covenants. If the HOA requires approval, get it in writing before spending any money on materials or labor.
Property Lines, Easements, and Right-of-Ways
The biggest mistake homeowners make is building a fence in the wrong spot.
If your fence crosses a property line, encroaches on an easement, or extends into a public right-of-way, you could be forced to move it—at your own expense.
Property Lines: Stay on Your Own Land
Never assume you know your property line. Just because your yard flows naturally into your neighbor’s doesn’t mean it’s yours. Your neighbor’s land isn’t free real estate.
If you install a fence even a few inches over the line, they can legally make you move it.
Some cities, like Raleigh, require a certified boundary survey when applying for a fence permit. But even if it’s not required, it’s the best way to confirm your property lines.
If you’re planning to install a fence on a shared property line with your neighbor, talk to them first. Some cities might even require written agreements before getting any approvals to move forward.
Easements: Areas You Can’t Block
An easement is an area on your property that must remain accessible for things like utilities, drainage, or shared access.
- Utility Easements – These allow access to water, gas, sewer, or power lines. If your fence blocks a utility company from servicing the area, they have the right to remove it.
- Drainage Easements – Many cities, including Cary and Fuquay-Varina, prohibit fences in areas designed to manage stormwater flow to prevent flooding.
- Access Easements – Some properties have shared driveways, alleys, or walkways that legally require unrestricted access. Fencing across these areas could result in legal action.
Before installing a fence, check your property survey or Wake County iMaps for any easements that might be on your property that you’re unaware of. If you’re unsure, contact your local zoning office.
Right-of-Ways: Public Land You Can’t Fence Off
If your property is next to a state-maintained road, there’s a right-of-way that must remain clear for roads, sidewalks, and utilities. Even though it might look like part of your yard, you’re not allowed to fence it off.
The right-of-way is measured from the centerline of the street and extends a set distance into each adjacent property. The exact width varies by road type and location, but this space is reserved for public access, maintenance, and future road expansions.
- Sidewalks & Road Shoulders: Many cities require fences to be set back a certain distance from roads and sidewalks to maintain pedestrian and vehicle access.
- Street Visibility Requirements: On corner lots, fences that block visibility at intersections or driveways may be restricted or limited in height.
- City-Owned Property: Some land near roads, drainage ditches, and greenways is owned by the city you live in or county. Installing a fence here can result in legal action.
For questions about your right-of-way boundary, you can contact North Carolina’s Department of Transportation (NCDOT) or check Wake County’s Book of Maps accessed through iMaps to see how wide it is.
If you have questions about how far back your fence must be from roads, sidewalks, or an intersection, contact your local zoning department.
Want to Skip Dealing with Permitting Altogether? Hire a Local Fence Company
Permit Requirements for Building a Fence by City
Below, we’ll break down the fence permit rules for each city in Wake County, plus some additional surrounding cities so you can plan your fence project without any surprises.
Note: If you’re using a fence company to install your fence, they’ll typically be the ones who apply for a permit. However, if you’re planning on pulling the permit yourself, there’s some information you’ll need to know for each city.
Skip to your city by clicking on a link below:
Apex | Angier | Cary | Chapel Hill | Clayton | Durham | Fuquay-Varina | Garner | Holly Springs | Knightdale | Morrisville | Raleigh | Rolesville | Wake Forest | Wendell | Zebulon
If you’re building a fence in Raleigh, you’ll need a permit—no exceptions. The city has strict zoning rules, and if you live in a historic district or have a private well or septic system, you’ll have extra steps to complete before you get approval.
1. Before You Apply
- Make sure your property has a legally recorded map (check with the Wake County Register of Deeds).
- If you have a private well or septic, you’ll also need approval from Wake County Environmental Services.
- If you live in a Historic District or own a Raleigh Historic Landmark, you’ll need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission.
2. Prepare Your Documents
- A diagram or picture of your proposed fence.
- A boundary survey with the proposed fence drawn in.
3. Submit Your Application
Register and submit your application through the Permit and Development Portal.
4. Review & Fees
- The standard review time is about three business days.
- You can pay fees through the permit portal with a credit card or eCheck.
5. Inspections
Once you’ve pulled your permit to start the work and your fence is installed, you will go back to the permit portal to schedule your inspection.
For questions, call the Customer Service Center at 919-996-2500.
Before you build a fence in Zebulon, you’ll need to submit a zoning permit application, which makes sure you adhere to the local ordinance. Here’s what’s allowed and how to apply for a permit before building a fence in Zebulon:
Fence Height: The maximum height for a fence between your house and the street is 4 feet. For other areas of your property, the maximum height is 6 feet.
Materials Allowed: Zebulon allows fences made from:
- Masonry or stone
- Ornamental iron, steel, or aluminum
- Wood
- Vinyl, plastic, or composite
- Chain-link
Application Process
- Wake County provides the permitting services for Zebulon, so you will submit your permit through the Wake County Permit Portal.
- Expect a review process of 2-3 weeks.
For questions or more information, you can contact the Planning Technician at (919) 823-1810.
Garner requires a zoning compliance fence permit before construction. Here’s what’s allowed and how to apply for a permit before building a fence in Garner:
Types of fence materials allowed and heights based on location:
- Front and corner side yards: Open fences (like split-rail or picket fences, or chain-link fences) and solid fences (wood or vinyl privacy fences) can be up to 4 feet high.
- Side and rear yards: Solid fences can be up to 8 feet high. However, if higher than 6 feet, a variance approved by the Board of Adjustment is required. Open fences can be any height, just as long as they are structurally sound.
Application Process:
- You can submit an application through the Town’s Permit and Inspection Portal.
- Reviews can take up to 5 business days.
For more information, visit the town of Garner’s fence regulations page or call 919-773-4449.
To build a fence in Clayton, NC, you will need a zoning compliance permit. They don’t explain much about what types of materials you can use or how high fences can be.
Instead, the town asks that you contact their staff to review the details of your fence project beforehand.
They’ll go over approved materials, height limits, and the exact placement on your property. They also want to ensure your fence doesn’t encroach on easements or buffer areas, meets all setback requirements, and complies with local codes.
You can view the permit application here, which includes providing a sketch of your plan.
To start the permitting process, you can email the planning department or call 919-553-5002.
In Angier, you must obtain a land use permit before installing a fence. The town enforces specific regulations on height, materials, and placement so your fence doesn’t interfere with easements, drainage, or visibility.
Easements: You can’t build a fence over a private or public easement. Before starting your project, check your property survey or the Register of Deeds to see if any easements run through your land.
Floodplains & Wetlands: If you’re building in a floodplain or wetland area, your fence must have at least four inches of clearance at the bottom to prevent blocking natural water flow.
Fence Height Limits:
- Front yard: 4 feet max
- Side & rear yards: 6 feet max
- Fences over 6 feet require a Special Use Permit from the Board of Adjustment.
Approved Fence Materials: Angier allows fences made out of:
- Wood
- Brick
- Stone
- Wrought Iron
- Stucco
- Vinyl
They also allow barbed wire fencing but only in backyards, and it can’t be visible from the street. Also, if you plan to mix materials with your fence, you’ll need to check to make sure your design is compliant with the code.
Application Process
You can find the land use permit here to fill out and submit it to the Angier Planning & Inspections Department. You’ll need to include details like your address, the height of the fence, and the materials you plan to use.
You’ll also need to include two copies of a site plan showing:
- Your property lines
- Any existing structures
- The location of your fence
For questions, you can call the Angier Planning Department at 919-331-6702.
In Chapel Hill, you will have to apply for a building permit to put up a fence on your property. Here’s what you need to know ahead of time:
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yards: Up to 4 feet
- Side & Rear Yards: Up to 6 feet
- Side & Rear Yards (Interior Setbacks): Up to 8 feet
- Front Setback Exceptions: If a fence is above 4 feet, it must be at least 75% open (e.g., picket or wrought iron).
- Decorative Features: Arches or trellises up to 8 feet high and 5 feet wide may be built over a gate, but no more than two per property are allowed.
Before building, check your zoning district to make sure your planned fence complies with setback and impervious surface area rules.
Fence Placement Rules
- Fences can be built up to the property line, but posts and supports must face inward toward your property.
- No fences are allowed within drainage or utility easements.
- If your property is near a protected area (Resource Conservation District or floodplain), additional permitting may be needed.
Fence Materials
Allowed Materials:
- Wood
- Composite fencing
- Wrought iron, steel, or aluminum
- PVC vinyl
- Masonry materials (brick, stone, decorative block, stucco over concrete)
Not Allowed:
- Barbed wire or concertina wire
- Chain-link fences in front yards
The town manager can approve other materials if they meet quality standards.
Residential Protection Buffer
If your property is next to a non-Blue Hill residential district, you may need to install a buffer with:
- 6–8 ft tall fence or wall with breaks every 200 feet
- Shade trees (4 per 100 feet)
- Understory trees (3 per 100 feet)
- Shrubs (40 per 100 feet, at least 4 feet tall)
The Community Design Commission may approve variations if outdoor amenities or trails are planned.
How to Apply for a Fence Permit in Chapel Hill
- Submit your permit application through the Town of Chapel Hill Online Permit Center.
- Include a site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and fence location.
- If required, submit a survey site plan for properties near conservation areas or within setback limits.
- Wait for zoning approval before starting construction.
Permit Fees
The cost of a fence permit in Chapel Hill depends on how much land disturbance and impervious surface your project creates. Here are the tiers and specific information on each one to help:
Tier 1 – $25: For small projects with:
- Less than 1,500 sq. ft. of land disturbance
- Less than 500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface
- Not located in a Neighborhood Conservation District or near a Resource Conservation District (RCD)
Tier 2 – $125: For medium-sized projects with:
- Between 1,500–5,000 sq. ft. of land disturbance
- Between 500–1,500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface
- Located in a Neighborhood Conservation District or near an RCD
Tier 3 – $250: For larger projects with:
- More than 5,000 sq. ft. of land disturbance
- More than 1,500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface
Penalty Fees: If you build a fence without a permit, you’ll receive a stop work order, and your permit fees will be doubled before approvals are given.
Before applying, check your property’s zoning and land disturbance limits to know which permit tier applies.
If you have any permit questions, Email permits@townofchapelhill.org or call 919-968-2718.
Wake Forest
Permit Required: No | Unless there is an easement on your property
In Wake Forest, you do not need a permit to build a fence. However, if there is an active easement running through your property designated for utilities, drainage, or public access, you’ll need to apply for a fence permit before installation. Here’s what you need to do:
Check for easements on your property using Wake County iMaps:
- Search your address in the iMaps system.
- Click on the “Book of Maps” link to view your property’s plat (official map).
- Look for easement markings—these will appear as lines indicating where the easement is located and which company owns it.
If you’re unsure how to read the map, contact Wake County or the utility company listed on the easement.
- If an easement exists, apply for a fence permit through the Town’s Electronic Plan Review Portal.
- The permit fee is $100.
For questions, call the Wake Forest Planning Department at 919-435-9510.
Apex
Permit Required: No
Apex does not require a permit to build a fence, but checking local zoning regulations is still a smart move. You can view their FAQs here.
Holly Springs
Permit Required: No
In Holly Springs, you don’t need a permit to build a fence. However, there are important rules about height, placement, and easements that you must follow.
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yard: Up to 4 feet
- Side-Corner Yard: Up to 6 feet
- Side & Rear Yards: Up to 6 feet
Allowed Fence Materials
- Front Yard & Side-Corner Yard: Only wood or vinyl picket, brick, or ornamental fences are allowed.
- Side & Rear Yards: You can use wood, vinyl, ornamental, brick, or chain-link fencing.
- Corner Lots: If your fence runs along a side street, it can’t extend past the halfway point of your house’s depth. (This keeps fences from blocking visibility and maintaining a uniform neighborhood look.)
Where You Can & Can’t Build Your Fence
- There are no specific setback requirements: You can place your fence right up to your property line if you’re bordering another lot. However, it’s a good idea to keep it a few inches inside your property to avoid accidentally building on your neighbor’s land.
- Fences CANNOT be built in:
- The public right-of-way (sidewalks, streets, or town-owned land).
- Public easements (such as utility, water, sewer, or drainage easements).
- Fences may be built in private drainage easements, but only with approval from your HOA, landowner, or whoever manages the easement. If approved, the fence cannot block or redirect water flow or damage any underground drainage system.
You can find the all fence regulations for Holly Springs in Section 3.4 of their Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Cary
Permit Required: No | With Exceptions
In Cary, you can install a fence without a permit unless:
- It’s next to a thoroughfare or collector street right-of-way.
- It’s taller than 42 inches and within 30 feet of the right-of-way.
- If you’re building a fence around a pool. You can find more information about pool barriers here.
See a town-wide list of thoroughfares and collector streets to see if your property requires a permit. This map can change, so make sure you’re looking at this when you’re ready to install a fence. If you need a permit, you can find it under “Other Applications” on the Town of Cary’s Applications and Forms page.
Here are some other rules of note:
- Fences can be up to 8 feet tall and may extend to the edge of your property. However, they must stay within your property boundaries—keep in mind that the back of the curb or sidewalk is not considered the property line.
- Additionally, you are not allowed to install your fence in sewer or utility easements, stormwater access areas, sightlines for traffic, or certain buffer zones.
For more information, you can visit the Town of Cary’s Fence Rules page. For questions, you can call 919-469-4000 or email 311@carync.gov
Knightdale
Permit Required: No
No permit is required to build a fence in Knightdale, but the fence must meet the height and material requirements shown in Section 7.6 of their Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Fence Height Limits:
- Front yards: Maximum height of 4 feet.
- Side and rear yards: Maximum height of 6 feet.
Materials Allowed
- Front yard fences: Must be made of wood picket, wrought iron, or similar durable materials, with no more than 50% opacity (meaning they can’t be fully solid).
- Side and rear yard fences (up to 4 feet high): Can be made of wood, wrought iron, or similar durable materials.
- Side and rear yard fences (over 4 feet high): Must be wood or a similar durable material.
- Fence columns or pillars: Need to match the brick or stone used on the main building.
Materials Not Allowed
- Chain link, wire mesh, woven wire, razor wire, barbed wire, or anything that conducts electricity.
- Materials that could be considered dangerous or a nuisance.
Easement Considerations
- Some fences may be allowed in easements, but only if approved under the Town of Knightdale Stormwater Manual or the City of Raleigh Public Utilities Handbook.
- Floodplains: If your fence is in a floodplain, you’ll need a floodplain development permit, which you can submit through their inspection portal.
For easement-related questions, call 919-217-2250.
For material and height regulations, call 919-217-2244.
Wendell
Permit Required: No
You do not need a permit to install a fence on your property in Wendell. However, you must follow these height and material rules:
Fence Height Limits:
- Front yards: Maximum height of 4 feet.
- Side and rear yards: Maximum height of 6 feet.
Corner Lot Restrictions: If your property is on a corner lot, fences within the sight triangle (where two streets intersect) cannot be taller than 3 feet when measured from the edge of the pavement.
Fence Materials Allowed
- Front yards: Must be wood picket, wrought iron, or similar durable materials.
- Side and rear yards: Can be green or black chain link, wood, wrought iron, or similar durable materials.
For more information, you can view the Wendell Code of Ordinances here.
Fuquay-Varina
Permit Required: No
You don’t need a permit to install a fence in Fuquay-Varina, whether you live within the town’s limits or in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)—which includes some areas just outside town that still follow certain local regulations. But before you start, there are a few important rules to keep in mind:
Fence Height Rules
- Front yard fences: Can be up to 4 feet tall and must be see-through (no solid privacy fences).
- Side and rear yard fences:
- Inside town limits can be up to 6 feet tall.
- In the ETJ, there’s no height limit, so you can go taller if needed.
Placement Requirements
- Stay inside your property: Your fence should be at least 3 inches away from your property line—unless your neighbor agrees to share the fence right on the line.
- Keep fences out of easements: You can’t build in utility, drainage, or stormwater easements since these areas need to stay clear for access and maintenance.
- Perimeter buffer zones: If your property has a required landscaping buffer, the fence must be placed at least 8 feet away from the rear or side property line so that most landscaping stays outside the fence and there’s enough space for plants and trees.
Fence Material Rules
- Inside town limits: you can use wood, stone, masonry, wrought iron, black aluminum, or chain-link fencing (but chain link must be black or green vinyl-coated). You are not allowed to use electric fences (unless they’re underground pet fences), barbed wire, or concertina wire.
- In the ETJ: There are no material restrictions, so any fencing material is allowed.
- No matter where your property is located, the finished side of the fence must face outward toward the street or your neighbor’s property.
Stormwater Drainage Requirements
To prevent water from getting trapped in your yard, privacy fences should have a 2-inch gap at the bottom for drainage. This rule doesn’t apply to chain-link, masonry, hedges, or split rail fences.
Check your homeowners’ association rules and property deed before installing a fence. But keep in mind—no matter what your HOA says, your fence must still follow town rules. You can view the full set of rules here.
Morrisville
Permit Required: No
If you’re planning to install a fence on a residential property in Morrisville, you do not need a permit, but you must follow the town’s rules on height, materials, and placement.
Fence Height Rules
- Front yard fences: Maximum height is 4 feet.
- Corner side yard, side yard, or back yard fences: Maximum height is 8 feet.
- Sight Distance: Fences near intersections must be low enough to avoid blocking visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
Fence Placement & Restrictions
- Stay on Your Property: Fences can be installed along the property line, but they cannot be placed in a utility easement unless approved by the Town Engineer or through the Town of Cary. If the town needs to access an easement, they are not responsible for repairing or replacing your fence.
- Keep Fences Away from Fire Hydrants: Fences cannot block fire hydrants or emergency access points.
- No Blocking Drainage: Fences cannot be installed in a way that blocks or redirects water flow onto another property.
Materials
You can install a fence made out of:
- Wood
- Composite wood
- Wrought iron
- Vinyl
- Decorative metal
You are NOT allowed to install a fence using the following materials:
- Barbed wire
- Concertina wire
- Above-ground electric fences
- Rolled plastic
- Sheet metal
- Plywood
Special Rules for Certain Areas
- Swimming Pools: If you have an outdoor pool, you must install a safety fence that meets Building Code requirements.
- Greenways & Public Roads: If your fence is within 15 feet of a greenway or public street, the “finished” side must face outward. Additionally, landscaping (like evergreen shrubs) may be required to soften the fence’s appearance.
- If you live inside the Historic Crossroads Village (HCV) District:
- Fences must match the style and color of the home.
- Solid privacy fences are prohibited—pickets must be spaced at least 2.5 to 4 inches apart to maintain an open look.
You can view the full set of rules for the Town of Morrisville here. For questions, you can call 919-463-6200.
Rolesville
Permit Required: No
In Rolesville, you do not need a permit to install a fence. However, the town has specific rules on height, materials, and placement so that fences are built safely, maintain aesthetic appeal, and don’t interfere with public spaces.
Fence Height Limits
- Side & Rear Yards: Up to 6 feet
- Front Yards: Fences are not allowed in the front setback unless part of an approved subdivision design.
- Decorative Features: Posts, columns, and light fixtures can extend 1 foot above the fence height.
If you’re building a fence in a subdivision, check if your neighborhood has extra height restrictions.
Approved Fence Materials
Rolesville allows fences made from:
- Wood
- Brick or stone
- Stucco over concrete masonry blocks
- Wrought iron or aluminum
- Composite fencing
- PVC vinyl
Not Allowed:
- Barbed wire
- Electric fences (except underground pet fences)
- Tarps
- Silt fencing
- Smooth-face concrete walls
All fence sections on one side of a lot must have the same style and colors. They should match each other and fit well with any structures nearby, including your home.
Also, all fences have to be maintained and kept in good condition (e.g., any missing or damaged sections must be repaired or replaced.)
Placement
- No setback requirements: Fences can be built right up to the property line, but it’s smart to place them slightly inside to avoid disputes.
- Allowed in town-owned easements: Fences can be built in easements as long as they run parallel to the easement. However, the homeowner is responsible for repairs if the fence is damaged during any type of maintenance work.
You are not allowed to install your fence in:
- Public rights-of-way
- Areas that block driveways, fire hydrants, or access points
- Sight distance triangles at intersections or driveways
Before installing a fence, check your property survey to confirm easements and setbacks.
Additional Rules for Homes in Special Districts
If you live in the Historic Crossroads Village (HCV) District, your fence must:
- Match the character and color of your home
- Not be a solid privacy fence—pickets must be spaced 2.5 to 4 inches apart to maintain an open feel
- Not be made entirely of masonry (but masonry posts are allowed)
Additional fencing restrictions may apply for homes in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) or Main Street (MS) Districts. Check with the Rolesville Planning Department before installing a fence in these areas.
You can find the full set of rules and regulations for building a fence in the Town of Rolesville here. For any questions, you can call 919-554-6517.
Durham
Permit Required: No
You do not need a permit to build a fence in the city of Durham or within the Durham County Limits unless the property is located in a designated flood plain or if the fence is acting as a pool barrier.
Even without a permit, your fence must meet local regulations on height, location, and the style of fence allowed.
Fence Heights
- Front yard: Max height is 4 feet
- Side and rear yard: Max height is 8 feet unless you live on a corner lot
- Corner lots: Fences between your house and the side street cannot be taller than 4 feet along the entire street-facing yard—unless you get special approval from the Board of Adjustment. An exception to this would be if the fence is set further back along the side of the house (starting at the front building line). In this case, it can be up to 6 feet tall.
Fence posts, columns, and similar vertical supports (including lighting and ornamentation on top) are exempt from height limits. However, you cannot attach any fencing material between them that goes beyond the allowed height.
Example: If the fence height limit is 6 feet, you can have a decorative post extending higher, but you cannot connect wood, metal, or other materials between the posts above 6 feet.
Fence Material Restrictions for Residential Areas
You are NOT allowed to use the following materials for your fence:
- Barbed wire, razor wire, and similar fencing materials are completely prohibited for residential fences.
- Uncoated chain link fencing.
- Electric fences (only allowed for underground pet containment).
All fences must have the finished side facing outward. If support posts are visible on only one side, they must face the inside of the property.
For more information, you can read The City of Durham’s full UDO on fences. For questions, you can email Planning@DurhamNC.gov or call 919-560-1200.
Not Sure Where to Start? Let a Fence Company Handle the Hard Work
Dealing with permits or zoning rules can quickly turn your fence project into a headache. Instead of navigating through all the red tape yourself, hiring a local fence company in your city can save you time, effort, and stress.
Why Work with a Fence Contractor?
- They Handle the Permit Process: Professional fence companies know which cities require permits and if they require certain drawings or plans. They’ll take care of all the necessary paperwork and schedule inspections for you.
- They Make Sure Your Fence Follows All Local Codes and Ordinances: From height limits to material restrictions, they build your fence to code, so you don’t have to worry about receiving any fines or violations.
- They Handle the Details You Might Overlook: Property lines, easements, setbacks, and HOA restrictions—they know what to look for and how to prevent costly issues down the road.
- They’ll Save You Hours of Research: Instead of sorting through county maps, deeds, zoning codes, and permit requirements, they handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your new fence.
Professional Fence Builders in the Triangle – Start Your Project Today
Wake County has plenty of trusted fencing companies that specialize in residential installations and permitting. Here are some of the local fence companies listed on Raleigh ProConnect:
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FAQs
Is a Building Permit Required to Build a Fence?
It depends on where you live, but Chapel Hill is the only town in or near Wake County that requires an actual building permit to build a fence.
Other cities, like Raleigh, Garner, Zebulon, and Clayton, require a zoning compliance permit or land use permit, which is a different process.
That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Raleigh, for example, has a detailed permit process even though it’s not a full building permit.
Other towns like Garner and Zebulon have a more straightforward permit process that’s mostly to make sure your fence meets height and placement rules.
If you live in a city that doesn’t require a permit, like Apex, Cary, or Knightdale, you still need to follow zoning laws, avoid easements, and check HOA restrictions if you have one.
Don’t assume you can just put up a fence without checking first. If your city requires a permit and you skip it, you could face fines or be forced to take it down.
What Happens if You Put Up a Fence Without a Permit?
If your city requires a permit and you build a fence without one, you could face serious consequences, including:
- Fines: Some cities charge daily fines for non-compliant fences (e.g., Wake Forest charges $300 for the first day and $50 per day after).
- Stop Work Orders: Cities like Chapel Hill issue stop-work orders, and you may have to pay double the original permit fee.
- Fence Removal: If your fence violates zoning laws, you might be forced to tear it down at your own expense.
To avoid these issues, check your city’s permit requirements before installing a fence.
How Much Is a Fence Permit?
The cost of a fence permit varies by city in Wake County. Here are some examples:
- Raleigh: $236
- Zebulon: $75
- Garner: $35
- Clayton: $150
- Chapel Hill: $25–$250, depending on the amount of land disturbance
How Long Does It Take to Get a Fence Permit
The time it takes to get a fence permit depends on your city’s review process. Here’s a general timeframe:
- Raleigh: 3 business days
- Zebulon: 2-3 weeks
- Garner: Up to 5 business days
- Clayton: Up to 10 business days
- Chapel Hill: Varies depending on land disturbance and zoning approval
If your property has additional restrictions (like being in a historic district or near an easement), the process may take longer.
How You Can Speed Up the Process
- Submit a complete application with all required documents to avoid delays.
- Use online permit portals (if available) for faster approvals.
- Follow up with the zoning department if you haven’t received a response within the estimated timeframe.
Always apply in advance and know what to expect ahead of time so you can plan your fence project efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.
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