Raleigh Fence Height Rules: Front, Side, Rear, and Corner Lots
Height is where many Raleigh fence plans change. The numbers below come from Section 7.2.8 of the Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance, which covers walls and fences. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice, so confirm details for your lot with zoning staff before you order materials.
The rules by yard
| Where the fence sits | Maximum height | Extra condition |
|---|---|---|
| Front or side street setback | 6.5 ft | No more than 50% opaque above 4 ft |
| Side or rear setback | 8 ft | If next to a street, 6.5 ft and the same 50% opacity rule above 4 ft |
“Opacity” is how solid the fence is. A picket or spaced-board fence that is at least half open satisfies the rule. A tight board-on-board privacy fence does not once it rises above 4 feet in those street-facing areas.
Corner lots
A corner lot has two street-facing sides, so the more restrictive street-side rules can apply to more of your yard than you expect. As a practical matter, that can mean the solid privacy section you picture along the back may need to turn into a semi-open design where it wraps toward the side street. Because Raleigh also reviews fences near intersections and on lots with more than one street frontage under its Street Design Manual, ask zoning staff to look at your corner before you finalize a layout.
Near major roads
For fences close to a thoroughfare right-of-way, the ordinance adds its own requirements. Within 20 feet, a fence must either stay under 42 inches or sit at least 15 feet back and be screened with evergreen plantings. From 20 to 40 feet, fences over 42 inches need plantings, though fences that are more than half open are exempt.
Materials the ordinance lists
Allowed materials include decorative block, brick, stone, cast stone, split-faced block, stucco over masonry, glass block, wood, wrought iron, composite, wire, PVC vinyl, aluminum, and other metal. Chain link is not allowed in front and side street setbacks, except in IH districts. So the wood-versus-vinyl-versus-aluminum choice is usually about budget, upkeep, and your HOA rather than the city.
Long runs and special areas
- A fence or wall plane longer than 100 feet needs a break, such as columns, landscaping, a transparent section, or a change in material.
- Fences are not allowed in a tree conservation area.
- A fence in a City utility easement needs prior written approval from the Public Utilities Director, and in a required drainage easement from the Engineering Services Director.
Use this before you get quotes
Sketch where the fence will go, mark which sides face a street, and decide what height you actually need. Then you can ask installers to quote the same design. If you would like help finding a local installer, see our permit guide and hiring checklist.
Ready to compare quotes? Call (984) 363-2979 or send a request below.