City of Charleston fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Charleston? Yes. The City of Charleston 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 Charleston (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
- 6 ft (7 ft, pier 8 ft, under BAR) source
- Front (street) yard
- 6 ft maximum for residential property outside the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) area; fences and walls up to 7 ft (pier height 8 ft) in residential districts under BAR jurisdiction source
- Distance from lot line
- Zoning reviews the fence location; if it is in a drainage or utility easement an Encroachment Permit is also required. source
- How to apply
- Call (843) 577-5550 source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Charleston
Steps based on charleston-sc.gov — faq
- Get HOA approval if your neighborhood requires it.
- Gather your property plat showing property lines, the house and easements (or draw one).
- Complete the City building permit application listing fence type, material, height and length.
- If the property is in the Board of Architectural Review area, complete the BAR application too.
- Submit the full package through the City's CSS portal.
- Fences in a drainage easement need an encroachment permit after Zoning and BAR approval ($25.00 payment per the City FAQ).
- Call 811 before digging.
- Paying
- Residential Alterations & Repairs permit fee per the Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule (amount not stated on pages reviewed)
- Review time
- Zoning, Engineering (easements/drainage), BAR where applicable
- Inspections
- Fence foundation and fence final
Who to contact
Permit Center
City of Charleston Permit Center
- Phone
- (843) 577-5550
- [email protected]
- Address
- Permit Center, 2 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
Contact from charleston-sc.gov — 36858
What to submit
- Building permit application (Residential Alterations/Additions Application) with fence type, material, max height and length
- Site plan/plat showing the fence, gates and large trees
- BAR application if in the BAR district
- Encroachment permit application if in a drainage easement
Other rules to know
- Fences over 7 ft also need a building inspection; masonry walls over 3 ft above grade need a foundation/framing plan sealed by an SC structural engineer.
- Property in a BAR district also needs a BAR application.
- The City does not coordinate with HOAs; check HOA rules yourself.
- Fences that serve as pool barriers must also meet the City's residential swimming pool guidelines.
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 Charleston, SC?
Yes. The City of Charleston requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Charleston?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft (7 ft, pier 8 ft, under BAR). Front (street) yard: 6 ft maximum for residential property outside the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) area; fences and walls up to 7 ft (pier height 8 ft) in residential districts under BAR jurisdiction.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Charleston?
Zoning reviews the fence location; if it is in a drainage or utility easement an Encroachment Permit is also required.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Charleston?
Get HOA approval if your neighborhood requires it. Gather your property plat showing property lines, the house and easements (or draw one). Complete the City building permit application listing fence type, material, height and length. If the property is in the Board of Architectural Review area, complete the BAR application too. Submit the full package through the City's CSS portal. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Charleston (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Charleston?
Permit Center, City of Charleston Permit Center. Phone (843) 577-5550, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Charleston's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Zoning Ordinance Sec. 54-301, Table 3.1 note 16 (fences and walls)
Work for the City of Charleston? 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.