Fence Regulations in New Orleans, LA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
The New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance limits fence heights based on yard location and zoning district. Front-yard fences in most residential districts are typically capped at three to four feet, while side and rear yard fences may rise to six to seven feet. Historic districts impose stricter design review through the Historic District Landmarks Commission and the Vieux Carre Commission, where materials, openness, and historic character all factor into approvals.
Fence Height Limits in New Orleans
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
New Orleans typically requires a permit from the Department of Safety and Permits before installing or replacing a fence, especially when the work involves structural foundations, masonry walls, or any installation in a historic district. Even simple wood or chain-link fences may require a zoning verification to confirm height, location, and material compliance. Historic districts under HDLC and the Vieux Carre Commission require design review on top of the building permit.
Fence Permit Requirements in New Orleans
Heavy RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Louisiana follows a civil-law tradition rather than common law, and Louisiana Civil Code Articles 673 through 688 govern boundary walls, common fences, and shared enclosures. A wall built on the boundary line is presumed common (jointly owned), and either neighbor can demand contribution to maintenance costs. New Orleans property owners should understand these civil-code presumptions before building, replacing, or repairing a boundary fence, since they differ markedly from common-law rules in most other states.
Neighbor Fence Rules in New Orleans
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit and engineered drawings sealed by a Louisiana-licensed professional engineer. Permits are issued by the Department of Safety and Permits. Walls in drainage servitudes or near the levee system face additional review by the Sewerage and Water Board and the Orleans Levee District.
New Orleans Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
All residential swimming pools deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool. Requirements come from the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, which adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). Permits are issued by the Department of Safety and Permits.
New Orleans Pool Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Fences in residential districts are limited to 4 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side and rear yards under the New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) Article 21. Local Historic Districts and the Vieux Carre require Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) or Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) review for any new fence visible from the street. Most residential fences under 7 feet do not require a building permit but must comply with zoning.
New Orleans Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in all residential zoning districts under the New Orleans CZO. In historic districts and the Vieux Carre, vinyl, chain link, and modern composite materials are typically prohibited from street-facing yards. Wood, wrought iron, brick, stucco, and decorative metal are the standard approved materials throughout the city.