Fence Regulations in Charlotte, NC (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Charlotte, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Charlotte's Neighborhood 1/2 and MHP districts, fences top out at 5 feet in the front setback, 6 feet along the side, and 8 feet in the rear; other districts allow 8 feet along any frontage if the upper portion is 75% open.
Charlotte Fence Height Limits by Setback
Some RestrictionsCharlotte UDO § 17.2.D.2 (Fences and Walls, Neighborhood 1/2 and MHP Standards)
a. A fence or wall located in the established front setback or setback along a frontage shall be limited to a maximum height of five feet above grade. b. A fence or wall located in the established side setback between the established front setback and established rear setback shall be limited to a maximum height of six feet above grade. c. A fence or wall located in the established rear setback...
Retaining Walls
Charlotte caps retaining walls in a conservation residential development's required common open space at 5 feet and bars them within 10 feet of a green area; elsewhere, retaining walls follow the citywide fence-and-wall height limits and need a Storm Water Services permit if placed in a drainage easement or right-of-way.
Charlotte Retaining Wall Height and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsCharlotte UDO § 4.5.A.2.b.i(N)
A conservation residential development permits a reduction in minimum lot size in exchange for the provision and conservation of green area and common open space beyond the requirements of this Ordinance. ... Conservation residential development is permitted in the N1-A, N1-B, and N1-C Zoning Districts. A conservation residential development site shall be a minimum of five acres. ... (N) Retain...
Material Restrictions
Charlotte limits fences and walls to a specific approved materials list, treated wood, brick, stone, wrought iron, vinyl and chain link, but bans slats in chain link fencing under UDO Section 17.2.D.1.
Charlotte Permitted Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsCharlotte UDO § 17.2.D.1.c (Fences and Walls, Permitted Materials)
c. Permitted materials for the construction of a fence, gate, or wall are as follows. Fences, gates, or walls in Neighborhood 1 Zoning Districts are not limited to these permitted materials. i. Treated wood or redwood ii. Simulated wood iii. Decorative brick iv. Stone v. Simulated stone vi. Finished masonry vii. Wrought iron viii. Aluminum or steel designed to simulate wrought iron ix. Vinyl x....