Unincorporated New Hanover County fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the Unincorporated New Hanover County? No. Unincorporated New Hanover County 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 Unincorporated New Hanover County's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- How to apply
- Call 910-798-7311 source
Still being confirmed with Unincorporated New Hanover County: Are there fence height limits or other county rules (e.g., building code) for unincorporated areas?
How to build within the rules in the Unincorporated New Hanover County
Steps based on nhcgov.com — Faq
- No county permit is needed for a fence.
- Verify the fence stays out of access, stormwater and utility easements, and check HOA fence rules if you have an HOA.
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
New Hanover County Government Center
Main line
- Phone
- 910-798-7311
- Address
- New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
Contact from nhcgov.com — Permits Inspections
Other rules to know
- The County's FAQ says a county permit is not needed to build a fence because 'the county's zoning ordinance does not regulate fences.'
- Check that the fence does not encroach into access, stormwater or utility easements, and check any HOA fence 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 Unincorporated New Hanover County, NC?
No. Unincorporated New Hanover County does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the Unincorporated New Hanover County?
New Hanover County Government Center, Main line. Phone 910-798-7311.
Sources
Summarized from Unincorporated New Hanover County's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for Unincorporated New Hanover County? 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.