Fence Regulations in Lawrence, KS (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Lawrence, Kansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the City of Lawrence, residential fence height is capped by yard under City Code § 16-604: 4 feet in front yards (3 feet for masonry or solid, more-than-half-closed fences), 4 feet along the required side yard stepping up to 6 feet further back, and 6 feet along the rear property line, with an extra 18 inches of wire allowed on top.
Lawrence Residential Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 16-604(a)-(c)
In any location, fences enclosing plots used for dwelling purposes shall conform to the following requirements: (a)Front yard fences. Front yard fences erected in front of the front building line (see zoning ordinance) shall be of any class and shall not exceed a height of four feet excepting classes described in section 16-601(a) and (e) which shall not exceed a height of three feet.(b)Side ya...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the City of Lawrence, a fence six feet or under does not need a building permit, under Lawrence City Code § 5-223(a)(2). Once a fence goes over six feet, it drops out of that exemption and falls under the general permit requirement in § 5-220, meaning an application, fee and building official sign-off before construction.
Lawrence Fence Permit Height Threshold
Some RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 5-223(a)(2)
Exemptions from permit requirements of this article shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner that violates the provisions of this article or any other laws applicable in this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: (a)Building. The following activities and materials do not require a permit: ... (2)Fences not over six feet (1,829 mm)...
Retaining Walls
In the City of Lawrence, a retaining wall six feet or less, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, needs no building permit unless it holds back a surcharge or Class I, II or IIIA liquids. Anything taller triggers Building Safety Division review under City Code § 5-223(a)(4), and every wall must be designed and drained to resist lateral pressure under section 16-604(f).
Lawrence Retaining Wall Height and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsLawrence City Code §§ 5-223(a)(4), 16-604(f)
(4)Retaining walls that are not over six feet (1,829 mm) in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids. ... (f)Retaining walls generally. Retaining walls shall be adequately designed and drained so as to resist all lateral pressure to which they may be subject. Retaining walls shall not be erect...
Material Restrictions
In the City of Lawrence, electrically charged fences and standalone barbed wire fencing are banned around dwelling plots citywide under City Code § 16-604(d), with one exception: barbed wire strung along the top of a fence that's already taller than four feet is allowed.
Barbed Wire and Electric Fence Ban Lawrence
Significant RestrictionsLawrence City Code § 16-604(d)
In any location, fences enclosing plots used for dwelling purposes shall conform to the following requirements: ... (d)Barbed wire and electric fences. No electrically charged fence or barbed wire or other similar fence shall be erected or maintained within the city, except barbed wire may be used on the top of a fence which is more than four feet in height.