Fence Regulations in Fort Smith, AR (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Fort Smith, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fort Smith's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 27, including Article 27-700 General Standards and Article 27-400 Zoning Districts) generally caps residential front-yard fences at 4 feet and side and rear-yard fences at 6 feet, with up to 8 feet allowed in some districts. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit.
Fort Smith, AR Fence Height Limits — Residential & Corner Lots
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fort Smith requires a building permit for any fence taller than 6 feet, issued by the Building Safety Division at 623 Garrison Avenue. Shorter fences must still comply with the height, material, setback, and corner sight-triangle rules in Chapter 27 of the Unified Development Ordinance.
Fort Smith, AR Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Fort Smith's Chapter 27 UDO does not require neighbor consent to build a fence; the owner only needs to stay on their own property and meet the city's height and material rules. Boundary and cost-sharing disputes are resolved under Arkansas partition-fence law (A.C.A. 18-11-101 et seq.) and Arkansas common law of boundaries.
Fort Smith, AR Fence Neighbor Disputes & Arkansas Partition Law
Few RestrictionsPool Barriers
Swimming pools in Fort Smith must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix G) and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq.). Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates and no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere.
Fort Smith, AR Pool Barrier & Fence Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsApproved Materials
Fort Smith's Chapter 27 UDO lists allowed residential fence materials (wood, metal tubing, wrought iron, stone, masonry, chain link, and listed vinyl/composite) and prohibits rope, wire fabric, barbed wire, chicken wire, tarps, sheet metal, plywood, and other improvised materials in residential zones.