How Huntington Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Huntington maintains 114 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Huntington falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Barriers
All pools in Huntington must be enclosed by a 4-foot minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per NY Uniform Code (19 NYCRR 1225) and Town Code. Barrier required before water is added.
Key details: Minimum Height: 48 inches. Gate: Self-closing/latching. Alarm/Cover: Required. Code: NY RC R326.
No Certificate of Compliance until barrier passes. Fines $500-$2,500 for unfenced pool plus potential liability.
Compared to other cities, Huntington takes a harder line on pool barriers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Fence Requirements
Huntington requires a clear sight triangle at intersections: fences, walls, and hedges on corner lots cannot exceed 30 inches within 25 feet of the corner under Chapter 198 zoning.
Key details: Height Max: 30 inches. Triangle Size: 25 feet from corner. Applies To: Fences + hedges. Enforcement: Highway + Building.
Orders to cut back or remove plus fines of $250-$500 per week of continued obstruction.
Height Limits
Huntington Chapter 198 zoning limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential zones. Fences over 6 feet require a Building Department variance or permit.
Key details: Front Yard Max: 4 feet. Side/Rear Max: 6 feet. Commercial Max: 8 feet. Variance: ZBA required above 6 ft.
Fines of $250-$1,000 plus order to remove or lower fence. Continuing violations accrue daily.
Permit Requirements
Huntington requires a Building Department permit for fences over 6 feet, all pool fences, and fences in waterfront or historic districts. Fences at or under 6 feet generally do not require a permit but must meet zoning.
Key details: Permit Trigger: Over 6 ft / pools / historic. Survey: Required. Fee Range: $50-$150. Issuer: Building Dept.
No-permit fence: stop-work order plus $250-$1,000 fine and possible removal.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Huntington follows NY Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law 843 (spite fence) and common-law boundary rules. Finished side must face the neighbor. No statutory cost-sharing requirement for shared fences.
Key details: Spite Fence Law: RPAPL 843. Finished Side: Faces neighbor. Cost Sharing: Not required by law. Survey: Strongly advised.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Material Restrictions
Huntington permits wood, vinyl, chain-link, wrought iron, and masonry fences. Barbed wire and electrified fences are prohibited in residential zones under Chapter 198. Historic districts restrict materials to wood picket or split-rail.
Key details: Barbed/Electric: Banned residential. Chain-Link Front: Often prohibited. Finished Side: Faces neighbor. Historic Review: HPC approval.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Huntington's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Huntington is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Huntington can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.