Fence Regulations in Salem, OR (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Salem, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Salem limits fences to 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards per the UDC. Chain link fences may go up to 8 feet without slats. Sight triangles required at intersections.
Salem Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Salem exempts most residential fences from building permits. Wood, wire mesh, and chain link fences under 7 feet do not require permits. Swimming pool barriers always require permits.
Salem Fence Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Oregon does not have a statutory requirement for neighbors to share fence costs. In Salem, the fence builder pays unless neighbors agree otherwise. Oregon has spite fence provisions.
Salem Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Salem requires a building permit for any retaining wall taller than 4 feet (measured footing-to-top). Walls 4 feet or under are generally exempt from permits. Walls over 4 feet must include engineer-stamped drawings from an Oregon-licensed structural engineer under SRC Chapter 56.
Salem Retaining Wall Permit Requirements and Height Limits
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Salem's Unified Development Code Chapter 800 restricts fence materials in residential zones. Barbed wire, electric wire, broken glass, spikes, and other bodily-harm materials are banned. Commercial and industrial zones may use barbed wire only on the topmost section.