Fence Requirements: Apex vs Cary
How do fence requirements rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex UDO Section 8.2.7 establishes the core fence requirements: 7-foot freestanding limit (4 feet in front yards), the finished side must face the right-of-way or neighbor, fences may not be installed around detention/retention basins (Sec. 6.1.13.B.10), and Sec. 8.2.7.F (Maintenance) requires owners to keep fences plumb, in good repair, with no more than 20% of surface disfigured, cracked, ripped, or peeling. Non-residential fences abutting a public right-of-way must be set back at least 4 feet with a minimum of 3 small evergreen shrubs every 20 feet (Sec. 8.2.7.C.1).
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
No data available yet for Cary.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7 Fences, Walls, and Berms | - |
| Detention/Retention Basin Fencing | Prohibited (Sec. 6.1.13.B.10, Sec. 8.2.7 intro) | - |
| Non-Residential ROW Setback | At least 4 feet from right-of-way (Sec. 8.2.7.C.1) | - |
| ROW Plantings | Minimum 3 small evergreen shrubs every 20 feet | - |
| Surface Disrepair Threshold | Maximum 20% disfigured/cracked/peeling (Sec. 8.2.7.F.1) | - |
| Support Integrity | No bent or broken supports (Sec. 8.2.7.F.2) | - |
| Plumb Requirement | Must be vertical to ground (Sec. 8.2.7.F.3) | - |
| Non-Conforming Replacement | Must comply with current Sec. 8.2.7 standards | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I fence around a stormwater pond in Apex?
No. Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7 expressly states 'Fences are not allowed around detention and retention basins per Sec. 6.1.13.B.10.' Stormwater facilities must remain accessible for inspection and maintenance.
What condition must my fence be kept in?
UDO Sec. 8.2.7.F requires the owner to maintain the fence in 'a safe and attractive condition,' with no more than 20 percent surface disfigurement, no bent or broken supports, and the fence must remain plumb (vertical to the ground). Replacement of a non-conforming fence must meet current standards.
Do non-residential fences need landscaping along the road?
Yes. Per UDO Sec. 8.2.7.C.1, non-residential fences abutting a public right-of-way must be set back at least 4 feet and planted on the public side with a minimum of 3 small evergreen shrubs spaced every 20 feet. Plantings may not be installed in the right-of-way itself.
Cary FAQ
No FAQs available.
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