Town of Chapel Hill fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the Town of Chapel Hill? Yes. The Town of Chapel Hill requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the Town of Chapel Hill (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- How to apply
- Online portal source
Still being confirmed with Chapel Hill: What are the fence height and setback limits and the permit fee? Is the Land Use Ordinance fence section available from the Town's site?
How to file for a fence permit in the Town of Chapel Hill
Steps based on chapelhillnc.gov — Residential Permits
- Prepare a site plan showing the property address and PIN, existing conditions, setback lines, and the fence location and dimensions.
- Apply online through the Town's OpenGov permit portal.
- Zoning staff review the fence against the Land Use Ordinance (setback, height, impervious surface, land disturbance).
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
- Phone
- 919-968-2718
- [email protected]
- Address
- 405 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Contact from chapelhillnc.gov — Residential Permits
What to submit
- Site plan (hand-drawn is acceptable unless a survey is required) showing address, PIN, existing conditions, setback lines, and location and dimensions of the proposed fence
Other rules to know
- Fences and retaining walls require a residential permit; zoning review checks setbacks, height, impervious surface and land disturbance under the Land Use Ordinance.
- A survey site plan may be required if the fence is within 1 ft of a setback or the reviewer cannot determine impact.
- Building review applies only if the fence has structural components.
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 Town of Chapel Hill, NC?
Yes. The Town of Chapel Hill requires a permit before you build a fence.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the Town of Chapel Hill?
Prepare a site plan showing the property address and PIN, existing conditions, setback lines, and the fence location and dimensions. Apply online through the Town's OpenGov permit portal. Zoning staff review the fence against the Land Use Ordinance (setback, height, impervious surface, land disturbance). Call 811 before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the Town of Chapel Hill (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the Town of Chapel Hill?
Permit Center. Phone 919-968-2718, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the Town of Chapel Hill's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the Town of Chapel Hill? 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.