Fence Regulations in Cary, NC (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Cary, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Cary caps fences and walls inside required yard setbacks at 8 feet, outside setbacks allows building-height limits instead, and bars any fence from blocking a corner sight-distance triangle.
Cary Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 7.2.7(B)
Fences and walls located within a minimum roadway, rear and/or side yard setbacks... shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height unless specifically approved as part of a buffer under Section 7.2.3, or approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment as part of a development plan, Special Use Permit, or variance.
Fence Permit Requirements
The Town of Cary requires a fence permit only for fences built adjacent to a thoroughfare or collector street right-of-way, under the Land Development Ordinance's fence and wall screening rules.
Cary Fence Permit Near Streets
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 7.2.7(C)(3)
Fences and walls taller than forty-two (42) inches and located within thirty (30) feet of a thoroughfare or collector street right(s)-of-way shall meet the following landscape requirements: ... (3) A fence permit shall be obtained for fences adjacent to thoroughfare or collector street right(s)-of-way.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls over 30 inches tall in Cary, Wake County must include a guard or barricade, 36 inches on residential lots, 42 inches for other uses, under the Land Development Ordinance.
Cary Retaining Wall Guard Rule
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 7.2.7(J)(1)
(1) All retaining walls over thirty (30) inches in height and steep grade changes at a one to one (1:1) ratio or greater shall include guards or other acceptable fencing/barricades measuring a minimum thirty-six (36) inches in height on a residential lot with a detached dwelling, townhouse, duplex, bed and breakfast, group home, or a family care home with four (4) or fewer residents. Guards or ...
Material Restrictions
The Town of Cary prohibits electrically charged fences and barbed or razor wire fencing town-wide, with narrow exceptions for bona fide farm livestock enclosures and public-safety facilities.
Cary Bans Barbed, Electric Fences
Heavy RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 7.2.7(H)
(H) Fences Prohibited. Fences that are electrically charged and those constructed of barbed or razor wire shall be prohibited. This prohibition shall not apply to fences used to enclose livestock on bona fide farms and those serving a public or quasi-public institution for public safety or security purposes.
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cary city rules.
Fence Regulations in Wake County →