Durham has no breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Dangerous dog designations follow North Carolina state law (N.C.G.S. 67-4.1) based on behavior, not breed.
Durham follows North Carolina state law on dangerous dogs rather than imposing breed-specific restrictions. Under N.C.G.S. 67-4.1, a dangerous dog is one that without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person, or has been determined to be potentially dangerous because it has bitten someone causing broken bones, disfiguring lacerations, or requiring hospitalization. A potentially dangerous dog may also be one that killed or severely injured a domestic animal when off the owner's property, or approached a person in a vicious manner when off the owner's property. Durham County Animal Services enforces these provisions. Owners of dogs declared dangerous must maintain proper enclosure, post warning signs, carry liability insurance, and use a muzzle and leash in public. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other commonly restricted breeds are legal to own in Durham with no special requirements beyond standard licensing.
Owners of dogs declared dangerous or potentially dangerous who fail to comply with confinement and control requirements face misdemeanor charges under N.C.G.S. 67-4.3. Penalties include fines up to $500. A dangerous dog that attacks and causes serious injury may be seized and euthanized. The owner may face felony charges if the dog kills a person.
Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
See how Durham's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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