Fence Regulations in Wilmington, NC (2026)
2 verified fence regulations for Wilmington, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Wilmington caps residential front-yard fences at four feet, with the board of adjustment able to approve up to six feet next to thoroughfares if the fence is set back at least half the required front setback (or 15 feet, whichever is greater) and stays at least half open above four feet. Side and rear yard fences can run up to eight feet without a variance.
Wilmington Fence Height & Setback Limits
Some RestrictionsCity of Wilmington Land Development Code § 18-554(d)
(d)Within residential zoning districts, except locally designated historic districts and historic overlay districts, the following fence, wall, and screen height limits shall apply:(1)Within front yards, the height for fences, walls, or screens shall be limited to four (4) feet except that the board of adjustment shall hear and decide requests for variances to allow height up to six (6) feet wi...
Material Restrictions
Wilmington's zoning code bans open barbed-wire and other injury-causing wire fencing below six feet in every zoning district, per Sec. 18-554(b). In front yards citywide, chain link, woven wire, and electric or barbed wire fencing are prohibited outright unless the property is a bona fide farm, utility substation, or government facility, and fences built from exposed concrete block, tires, or junk are barred everywhere.
Wilmington Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCity Code § 18-554(b), (e)
(b)No open wire fence of a type that could inflict injury from casual contact (such as barbed wire fence) is permitted below a height of six (6) feet in any district. Other types of open wire fencing (such as hurricane and chain link fencing) may be erected in any yard.... (e)In all zoning districts, chain link, woven wire, and electric and barbed wire fences shall be prohibited in front yards,...
Looking for New Hanover County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wilmington city rules.
Fence Regulations in New Hanover County →