Fence Regulations in Warwick, RI (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Warwick, Rhode Island, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fences in Warwick's residence districts cannot top six feet unless the building or fire code requires more. Near a front property line the limit drops sharply: Section 304.7's visibility rule caps any fence, wall, hedge, or shrub at three and a half feet within five feet of the front lot line.
Warwick Fence Height Limit: 6 Feet, Less Near Corners
Some RestrictionsWarwick, RI Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) §§ 603.1, 304.7
603.1. ... No fence in a residence district may exceed six feet in height unless specifically required by Building or Fire Code. ... 304.7. Visibility. On any lot, no wall, fence, sign, hedge, shrub, or other obstruction to visibility shall exceed 3½ feet in height within five feet of the front property line.
Fence Permit Requirements
Putting up a fence anywhere in Warwick means pulling a building permit first. Section 603.1 states plainly that 'the installation or construction of any fence shall require a building permit,' so the requirement applies before the first post goes in the ground, regardless of the fence's height or material.
Warwick Requires a Building Permit for Any Fence
Some RestrictionsWarwick, RI Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) § 603.1
603.1. In residence districts. No fence constructed wholly or in part of barbed wire shall be permitted in residence districts, except upon approval of the zoning board of review. No fence in a residence district may exceed six feet in height unless specifically required by Building or Fire Code. The installation or construction of any fence shall require a building permit.
Material Restrictions
Barbed wire fencing is off-limits in Warwick's residence districts unless the zoning board of review grants approval, and any electrified or exposed-wire fence anywhere in the city needs a special use permit. Section 603 treats both materials as safety hazards that require discretionary board sign-off before installation.
Warwick Restricts Barbed Wire and Electrified Fences
Significant RestrictionsWarwick, RI Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) §§ 603.1, 603.2
603.1. In residence districts. No fence constructed wholly or in part of barbed wire shall be permitted in residence districts, except upon approval of the zoning board of review. ... 603.2. In all districts. No fence or portion of a fence containing exposed wires from which a person can get an electrical shock, or containing barbed wire, shall be permitted in any district in the City of Warwic...