Fence Height Guidelines

Fence Height

• In most residential areas, fence heights are limited to 4 ft. in front yards and 6 ft. in front yards, according to FindLaw. Ultimately, local ordinances have the final say for each city. Homeowners who wish to build a fence that violates height restrictions may apply for a variance. A variance is typically granted when building against adverse conditions such as noise from a highway or street.

Fence Alternative

• If the maximum fence height for your area does not solve your privacy problems, then consider rows of trees like conifers, birches or poplars. The columnar-shaped trees create a natural barrier, and specimens like the River Birch can grow up to 70 feet. Hedges are also a good alternative to create a natural fence. The height of a fence grown from hedges requires maintenance, but provides a lower height option than most trees. For texture, height and ultimately privacy, Viburnum prunifolium, "Blackhaw viburnum," is one tall, flowering shrub to consider.

Electric Fence

• When animals need boundaries for their safety, an electric fence will accommodate those needs. Fence height will vary depending upon the type of animal. Some general guidelines include 120 cm for a horse, 80 cm for beef stock and lower heights for smaller animals like 40 cm for pigs.

Pool Fence

• Fencing around a pool area is a necessity when young children are in a household. The height of pool fences range from 3 ½ ft. to 5 ft. The average toddler is best confined by a 4-ft. high fence.