What are the zoning laws on fences and walls?
The County’s Zoning Ordinance regulates the location of fences and walls on a lot based on the height of the fence or wall. On most residential lots, the Zoning Ordinance only allows a fence or wall of 4 feet or less on those areas of the lot that are nearer to any street or front lot line than the house. In a side or rear yard, a fence or wall of not more than 7 feet is generally allowed. For specific information regarding your property and designation of the yards on your lot, please contact the Zoning Permit Review Branch of the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-222-1082. In many instances, a Building Permit is not required for a fence. However, masonry fences and walls do require the approval of a Building Permit prior to construction.
