Fence Regulations in Union, NY (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Union, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the Town of Union, Broome County, New York, a fence in a residential district cannot rise above six feet, except tennis or recreation courts at 12 feet. Fences for nonresidential uses in nonresidential districts can reach 10 feet. Solid fences must sit eight feet back from the street line or stay at three feet or lower, and corner lots add a 24-inch limit.
Town of Union NY Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTown of Union Code § 300-53.15
D. The height of all fences shall be measured from the average finished grade of the lot at the base of the fence. E. No solid fences over 24 inches in height shall be permitted in the triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line joining the street lines at points which are 25 feet in distance from the point of intersection measured along the street lines. ... G. ...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the Town of Union outside the Villages of Endicott and Johnson City, no building permit is required to install a fence unless the fence is part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool. The exemption does not authorize work that violates the Uniform Code, and the zoning chapter still sets fence height, setback and material rules.
Town of Union NY Fence Permit Requirement
Light RestrictionsTown of Union Code § 86-4
B. Exemptions. ... No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories: ... (3) Installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool; ... C. Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in Subsection B of this section...
Neighbor Fence Rules
The Town of Union Code does not hand neighbors a cost-sharing formula, but it sets two duties that affect them directly: the finished or decorative side of any fence must face the adjacent properties, with posts facing inward, and every fence must be kept safe, sound and upright. No fence can encroach on a public right-of-way.
Town of Union NY Fence Neighbor Rules
Light RestrictionsTown of Union Code § 300-53.15
B. No fence shall be erected or encroach upon a public right-of-way. C. Any fence shall have its finished or decorative side facing the adjacent properties. The fence posts and other supporting structures of the fence shall face the interior of the area to be fenced. ... I. Every fence shall be maintained in a safe, sound and upright condition. No fence shall be erected which will create a safe...
Retaining Walls
In the Town of Union outside the Villages of Endicott and Johnson City, construction of a retaining wall needs no building permit unless the wall supports a surcharge or impounds Class I, II or IIIA liquids. The exemption does not authorize work that violates the Uniform Code or the Energy Code.
Town of Union NY Retaining Wall Permit Rules
Light RestrictionsTown of Union Code § 86-4
B. Exemptions. ... No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories: ... (4) Construction of retaining walls, unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids; ... C. Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in Subs...
Material Restrictions
Fences in the Town of Union, Broome County, New York, must be wood, chain link, wrought iron or PVC. Barbed wire and electrically charged fencing are prohibited, with a narrow farm-use exception, and barbed wire is allowed in nonresidential districts only if it starts at least six feet above grade. Sheet metal, razor wire, pallets and doors are banned.
Town of Union NY Fence Material Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsTown of Union Code § 300-53.15
F. Except for animal husbandry, stables, riding academies and kennel uses in an RR District, livestock, poultry, cattle, barbed wire and/or electrically charged fencing are prohibited. Barbed wire can also be used in nonresidential districts, provided that the barbed wire starts at least six feet in height above the grade. ... J. Construction materials specifications shall be as follows: ... (1...
Looking for Broome County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union city rules.
Fence Regulations in Broome County →