Fence Regulations in Norfolk, VA (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Norfolk permits fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards without special approval. Heights above 6 feet require a zoning permit. Coastal flood-prone neighborhoods may require wind-rated fencing.
Fences: Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Norfolk requires a zoning permit for fences over 6 feet, fences in historic districts, and any fence on a corner lot within the sight triangle. Fences under 6 feet on interior residential lots generally need no permit.
Fences: Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Virginia has no statutory shared-fence cost law. Norfolk property owners are individually responsible for fences on their own land. Boundary-line fences require neighbor consent. Good neighbor (finished-side-out) is custom but not mandated by code.
Fences: Neighbor Rules
Few RestrictionsPool Barriers
Norfolk requires 48-inch minimum barrier around residential pools under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Self-closing and self-latching gates mandatory. Fence applies to pools deeper than 24 inches including above-ground and inflatable.
Fences: Pool Fencing
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Norfolk requires a clear sight triangle at intersections: no fence, wall, shrub, or obstruction over 3 feet tall within 25 feet of each corner of a street intersection. Enforced strictly due to pedestrian safety concerns near ODU and residential grid streets.
Fences: Corner Visibility
Heavy RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Norfolk allows wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, and masonry fences citywide. Barbed wire and electrified fencing are prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts restrict materials to wood picket, wrought iron, and approved alternatives.
Fences: Materials
Some RestrictionsLooking for Norfolk City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Norfolk city rules.
Fence Regulations in Norfolk City →