Height Limits: Apex vs Cary
How do height limits rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex and Cary have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex fence heights are set by Section 8.2.7 of the Town of Apex Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), administered by the Apex Planning Department. Section 8.2.7.B.1 caps freestanding fences and walls at 7 feet, including piers, posts, and finials. Section 8.2.7.B.2 limits fences and walls in front yards to 48 inches (4 feet), with piers/posts and finials allowed to extend up to 6 inches higher. Non-residential fences may exceed 7 feet with Planning Director approval for security or screening, and vinyl-coated chain link for single-family recreational uses such as tennis or basketball courts may be approved up to 10 feet.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Cary limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and up to 6–7 feet in side and rear yards per LDO §7.2.7. Fences within 15 feet of a road have a 6-foot maximum; other areas allow up to 7 feet.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Freestanding Fence Height | 7 feet (UDO Sec. 8.2.7.B.1) | - |
| Front Yard Maximum | 48 inches / 4 feet (UDO Sec. 8.2.7.B.2) | - |
| Post/Finial Extension | Up to 6 inches above the finished fence height (Sec. 8.2.7.B.2) | - |
| Non-Residential Above 7 Feet | Planning Director approval required (Sec. 8.2.7.B.1) | - |
| Recreational Court Fencing | Vinyl-coated chain link up to 10 feet with Planning Director approval | - |
| Fences in Required Buffers | Allowed only if integral to buffer design (Sec. 8.2.7.E) | - |
| Code Authority | Town of Apex Planning Department | - |
| Building Inspections | (919) 249-3418, 322 N Mason St, Apex NC 27502 | - |
| Front Yard | - | 4 feet maximum |
| Near Road (15 ft) | - | 6 feet maximum |
| Side/Rear Yard | - | 7 feet maximum |
| Code Section | - | LDO §7.2.7 |
| Collector Streets | - | Permit required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Apex?
Up to 7 feet, including piers, posts, and finials, per Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.B.1. Non-residential fences may go higher for security or screening with Planning Director approval. Vinyl-coated chain link for single-family tennis or basketball courts may be approved up to 10 feet.
How tall can a front-yard fence be in Apex?
Fences and walls in front yards may not exceed 48 inches in height per UDO Sec. 8.2.7.B.2. Piers, posts, and finials may extend up to 6 inches higher than the finished fence or wall height.
Can I build an 8-foot fence in my back yard?
Not as a matter of right. UDO Sec. 8.2.7.B.1 caps freestanding residential fences at 7 feet including piers, posts, and finials. Anything taller requires Planning Director approval and is generally available only to non-residential uses for security or screening purposes.
Cary FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Cary, NC?
Front yard fences: 4 feet max. Side/rear fences within 15 feet of a road: 6 feet max. All other side/rear fences: 7 feet max under LDO §7.2.7.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Cary?
Permits are required only for fences on collector streets or thoroughfares. Standard residential fences in other locations don't require a permit but must meet height limits.
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