Fence Regulations in Columbia, MO (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Columbia, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Columbia's Unified Development Code sets no blanket height cap for residential fences in Boone County, they're allowed up to the lot line, but on corner lots, no fence may stand inside the required sight triangle where it blocks a driver's view of traffic.
Columbia, MO Corner Fence Visibility Rule
Light RestrictionsColumbia Code of Ordinances § 29-4.4(c)(5)
Except in the M-DT district (section 29-4.2), on any corner space or lot on which a front or side yard is required, no wall, fence, sign, or other structure or no plant growth of a type within a sight triangle which would interfere with traffic visibility, in accordance with city policy based on the Missouri Department of Transportation's Engineering Policy Guide provided plant material reachin...
Neighbor Fence Rules
In Columbia, Missouri, a lot boundary fence or wall may be built right up to the property line, but Boone County property owners need the adjacent owner's consent before it encroaches onto neighboring land or the public right-of-way.
Columbia, MO Boundary Fence Consent Rule
Light RestrictionsColumbia Code of Ordinances § 29-4.1(c)(2) [Table 4.1-5]
Lot boundary fences, walls, and retaining walls — Permitted up to lot line — May not encroach on public right-of-way or adjacent property without consent of owner.
Retaining Walls
Columbia's locally amended 2018 Residential Code lets builders substitute a six-foot dead-man anchor system for standard retaining wall bracing, provided the wall is drained per the adopted foundation drainage figure.
Columbia, Missouri Retaining Wall Engineering Rule
Some RestrictionsColumbia Code of Ordinances § 6-66 (IRC R404.4, as amended)
R404.4 Retaining walls. Add the following to the end of the section: As an alternative, retaining walls may be built per Alternative 4 listed in the amendment of Section R403.1.6 with a six (6) foot dead man placed for lateral support at each end of the unsupported wall and at the spacing shown. The retaining wall must be drained per Figure 405.1 or equivalent.
Material Restrictions
Where Columbia, Missouri requires a buffer screen between incompatible zoning uses, the fence must be wood, masonry, brick, stone, wrought iron, or evergreen hedging: chain link and railroad ties are banned outright.
Screening Fence Materials Rule in Columbia, Missouri
Some RestrictionsColumbia Code of Ordinances § 29-4.4(e)(3)(ii)
The screen shall be constructed of wood, masonry, brick, stone, wrought iron, compact evergreen hedging, an earth berm, or some combination of those materials. Chain link fence and railroad ties are prohibited.(iii)The combined height of the screening methods identified in this subsection shall not be less than six (6) feet. Figure 4.4-2: Interior Parking Area Figure 4.4-2: Interior Parking...
Looking for Boone County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbia city rules.
Fence Regulations in Boone County →