Fence Regulations in Washington, DC (2026)
2 verified fence regulations for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Retaining Walls
In DC's R and RF residential zones, a retaining wall is capped at 6 feet, dropping to 4 feet along a street frontage, property line or side setback. Taller walls need a Board of Zoning Adjustment special exception under 11 DCMR Subtitle C Chapter 14.
Washington DC Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some Restrictions11 DCMR Subtitle C § 1401.2, 1401.3
1401.2 Subject to the height limitations of Subtitle C § 1401.3 through 1401.6, the maximum height of a retaining wall shall be six feet (6 ft.). 1401.3 A retaining wall shall not exceed four feet (4 ft.) in height in the following locations, unless a lower height is required by Subtitle C § 1401.5 and 1401.6: (a) Along a street frontage or property line; (b) Within any required side setback;...
Material Restrictions
D.C. law bans barbed-wire fences, barriers, or obstructions along any street, alley, road, or public or private parking within the city's fire limits, and requires a Mayor-issued permit for barbed wire built outside the fire limits. The rule dates to an 1898 act of Congress and remains codified today.
Washington DC Barbed-Wire Fence Ban
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 9-1213.01
No fence, barrier, or obstruction consisting or made, in whole or in part, of what is commonly called barbed wire shall be erected, constructed, or maintained along the line of or in or upon any street, avenue, alley, road, or other public walk, driveway, or public or private parking within the fire limits of the District of Columbia.