City of Raleigh fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Raleigh? Yes. The City of Raleigh 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 City of Raleigh (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Side and rear yards
- 8 ft in a rear setback (6.5 ft if next to a street) source
- Front (street) yard
- Up to 6.5 ft in a front or side street setback, with opacity above 4 ft no more than 50% source
- Corner lots
- Fences at intersections, on corner lots or near a front yard are also reviewed under the Raleigh Street Design Manual source
- Distance from lot line
- Within 20 ft of a thoroughfare right-of-way, fences must be under 42 inches or set back at least 15 ft and screened with evergreen plantings. None in tree conservation areas; city utility or drainage easements need prior written approval. source
- Not allowed
- Chain-link fences in any front or side street setback (allowed in IH districts); barbed or concertina wire only as allowed by Sec. 13-3011. A continuous fence plane over 100 ft needs breaks. source
- How to apply
- Online portal source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Raleigh
Steps based on raleighnc.gov — 39616
- Register in the Permit and Development Portal (permitportal.raleighnc.gov).
- Upload the Residential Permit Application, a fence diagram and a site plan as unlocked PDFs.
- Watch for an email when review is done; pay fees in the portal (credit card or eCheck).
- After the fence is built, schedule the inspection in the portal.
- Call 811 before digging.
- Paying
- Per the Development Fee Guide; pay in the Permit Portal
- Review time
- Standard review times are published online
- Inspections
- Schedule in the portal after the fence is built
- Permit good for
- Approved but unissued plans are voided after six months
Who to contact
- Phone
- 919-996-2500
Contact from raleighnc.gov — 39616
What to submit
- Residential Permit Application
- Fence diagram
- Site plan following the Residential Tier One Site Plan Checklist
- All files as unlocked PDFs
Other rules to know
- A zoning permit is required when a fence is installed on any property: to add, move or replace 50% or more of a residential fence, or to change its material, height or location.
- Historic district or landmark properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness first; properties on private well or septic need Wake County Environmental Services approval first.
- Approved plans not issued within six months are voided.
- Fences must be built of high-quality materials such as decorative block, brick, stone, wood, wrought iron, composite, vinyl, aluminum or metal.
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 Raleigh, NC?
Yes. The City of Raleigh requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Raleigh?
Side and rear yards: 8 ft in a rear setback (6.5 ft if next to a street). Front (street) yard: Up to 6.5 ft in a front or side street setback, with opacity above 4 ft no more than 50%. Corner lots: Fences at intersections, on corner lots or near a front yard are also reviewed under the Raleigh Street Design Manual.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Raleigh?
Within 20 ft of a thoroughfare right-of-way, fences must be under 42 inches or set back at least 15 ft and screened with evergreen plantings. None in tree conservation areas; city utility or drainage easements need prior written approval.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Raleigh?
Register in the Permit and Development Portal (permitportal.raleighnc.gov). Upload the Residential Permit Application, a fence diagram and a site plan as unlocked PDFs. Watch for an email when review is done; pay fees in the portal (credit card or eCheck). After the fence is built, schedule the inspection in the portal. 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 City of Raleigh (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Raleigh?
Planning and Development Permit Helpline. Phone 919-996-2500.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Raleigh's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Raleigh UDO Sec. 7.2.8 Walls and Fences
Work for the City of Raleigh? 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.