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Fence Regulations in Pawtucket, RI (2026)

3 verified fence regulations for Pawtucket, Rhode Island, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Height Limits

Pawtucket caps residential fence height at 3 feet in yards facing the street if the fence is closed, or 4 feet if it is at least 75% see-through, and at 6 feet along side and rear lot lines. Section 410-47C(2) sets those limits by zoning district, with taller fences allowed in commercial and manufacturing zones.

Pawtucket Fence Height Limits by Zone

Some Restrictions

Pawtucket City Code § 410-47C(2), (3)

Maximum height of fences by zoning district shall be as follows: ... Maximum Height in Feet Zoning District Yards With Street Frontage3 (feet) Side Yard (feet) Rear Yard (feet) Residential 31 - 42 6 6 ... NOTES: ... 1Closed fence: a fence of which more than 50% of the side area is opaque or covered. 2Open fence: a fence where 75% or more of the side area can be seen through; for example, a chai...

Fence Permit Requirements

Before erecting a fence in Pawtucket, the property owner needs a zoning permit. Section 410-94 bars erecting, moving or altering any 'structure' without one, and the Zoning Code's own definition of structure at Section 410-132 covers any combination of materials forming a construction installed on the ground, which reaches a fence.

Pawtucket Fence Zoning Permit Requirement

Some Restrictions

Pawtucket City Code § 410-94

Except for a public utility pole located in public streets, no structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefor, issued by the Director. No zoning permit shall be issued except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, except after written order from the Zoning Board of Review.

Material Restrictions

Pawtucket fences must be manufactured metal, wood, masonry or another inert material, or a hedge kept within the height limits. Section 410-47C(1)(a) bans barbed wire everywhere except manufacturing, commercial and public districts, and even there only above eight feet, keeping it off every residential fence in the City.

Pawtucket Fence Material and Barbed Wire Rules

Some Restrictions

Pawtucket City Code § 410-47C(1)(a)

Materials permitted in fences. All fences provided by an owner or agent on the premises shall be constructed of manufactured metal fencing material, wood, masonry or other inert material. A hedge composed of plant material may be used in conformity with the maximum height requirements of this section. Wooden posts shall be treated with a preservative before being placed in the ground. Barbed wi...