City of Hickory fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Hickory? No. The City of Hickory does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
At buildit.dog you can draw your fence on an aerial photo of your lot and check it against the City of Hickory's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- Side and rear yards
- 8 ft source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft in front setbacks source
- Distance from lot line
- Fences may be within required setbacks, including on the property line, but must be on your own property and outside the road right-of-way. The City strongly recommends a survey and staked lines. source
- How to apply
- Call (828) 323-7410 source
Still being confirmed with Hickory: Is there any fee or finished-side/material rule for residential fences in Hickory?
How to build within the rules in the City of Hickory
Steps based on hickorync.gov — accessory structure regulations
- Confirm your fence meets the height and location rules on the City's Accessory Structure Regulations page.
- Locate your property lines (survey recommended) and keep the fence out of the right-of-way and intersection sight areas.
- If the property is locally historic, apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness first.
- Questions: call the Permit Center at (828) 323-7410.
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
- Phone
- (828) 323-7410
Contact from hickorync.gov — accessory structure regulations
Other rules to know
- City page says 'Generally speaking, fences do not require a permit by the City of Hickory,' but fences must still meet the rules and meet intersection visibility requirements.
- Fences on a locally designated historic property need a Certificate of Appropriateness before installation.
- The City does not enforce private covenants; check your HOA and deed restrictions.
Before you dig
Call 811 before digging post holes so underground utility lines are marked. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Hickory, NC?
No. The City of Hickory does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Hickory?
Side and rear yards: 8 ft. Front (street) yard: 4 ft in front setbacks.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Hickory?
Fences may be within required setbacks, including on the property line, but must be on your own property and outside the road right-of-way. The City strongly recommends a survey and staked lines.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Hickory?
Permit Center. Phone (828) 323-7410.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Hickory's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the City of Hickory? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.