Fence rules in New York City, NY: height limits and permits

New York · Last checked November 2026

Key facts

Front yard

4 feet (ZR §23-44).

Residential districts

6 feet (BC §3112.1).

Corner lot side

6 feet (ZR §23-44).

Permit

Not needed for fences 6 feet or less at one- and two-family homes (1 RCNY §101-14).

Landmarks

Landmarked properties need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.

How it works

Cities limit fence height by where the fence sits: front yards are usually held to 3 or 4 feet so drivers can see, while side and rear yards commonly allow 6 to 8 feet. Corner lots add a sight triangle where almost nothing can be tall. Some cities want a permit for every fence, others only above a height.

1. Find your property lines with a survey or plat before setting posts.
2. Check the front yard, side and rear yard limits, and whether you are on a corner lot.
3. Ask whether a permit or zoning review is needed, and for which heights or materials.
4. Check HOA rules too. They can be stricter than the city, never looser.
5. Call 811 to mark utilities before digging.

What it costs

Permit fees are usually small, from nothing to under $100. The fence itself is the real cost and depends on length, height and material.

Compare other cities

• Nashville Height and placement limits
• Fruit Heights Permit required
• South Jordan Height and placement limits
• Charlotte Permit only over a set height
• Minneapolis Height and placement limits
• Whitestown Permit required