Approved Materials: Apex vs Cary
How do approved materials rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Apex.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.1 permits fences and walls constructed of 'wood, stone, brick, decorative concrete block, wrought iron, (or products created to resemble these materials), or a combination of any of these materials.' Chain link is permitted only under the restrictions in Sec. 8.2.7.A.4. All fencing must be finished on the side facing a public right-of-way or adjacent properties (Sec. 8.2.7.A.2), except within the Downtown Festival District where the alley-facing side may be unfinished.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County UDO does not specify residential fence material requirements in unincorporated areas. Common materials (wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link) are all allowed. The UDO requires the 'finished side' of any fence to face the abutting street or neighbor. Barbed wire is restricted in residential zones.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted Materials | Wood, stone, brick, decorative concrete block, wrought iron (Sec. 8.2.7.A.1) | - |
| Lookalike Products | Allowed if they resemble listed materials | - |
| Combinations | Mixing listed materials permitted | - |
| Chain Link | Allowed subject to Sec. 8.2.7.A.4 restrictions | - |
| Finished Side | Must face right-of-way or neighbor (Sec. 8.2.7.A.2) | - |
| Downtown Festival District | Alley-facing side may be unfinished | - |
| Recreational Chain Link | Vinyl coated black/brown/dark green required | - |
| Non-Residential Chain Link | Vinyl coated; industrial/utility uses exempt | - |
| Wood/vinyl/aluminum | - | All allowed |
| Chain link | - | Allowed |
| Barbed wire | - | Non-residential only |
| Finished side | - | Faces street/neighbor |
| Code | - | Wake UDO Art. 7 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I install a vinyl fence in Apex?
Yes, if it qualifies as a 'product created to resemble' an approved material under Sec. 8.2.7.A.1 - for example, vinyl that resembles wood. The fence must still meet the finished-side requirement in Sec. 8.2.7.A.2 and the height limits in Sec. 8.2.7.B.
Does my wrought iron fence need to be finished on the neighbor's side?
Yes. UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.2 requires 'All fencing shall be finished on the side facing a public right-of-way or adjacent properties,' regardless of material. Wrought iron and lookalike products are no exception. Only the Downtown Festival District alley exemption applies.
Can I use chain link around my backyard pool?
Yes, but it must be vinyl-coated in black, brown, or dark green per Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b, located in the side or rear yard, and meet the height standards of Sec. 8.2.7.B.1. The pool itself must also meet the NC Residential Code Appendix V/NC-A barrier requirements (48-inch minimum, 4-inch sphere rule, self-closing/self-latching gates).
Cary FAQ
Can I install barbed wire on my residential lot?
Generally no in unincorporated Wake residential zones. Agricultural and rural-residential exceptions exist; check your zoning.
Does the smooth side really have to face out?
Yes — the UDO requires it, though enforcement varies. Most HOAs strictly enforce this rule.
Is electric fencing legal?
Only for livestock containment in agricultural zones, or interior 'invisible' pet fencing. Perimeter electrification of a residential lot generally not allowed.
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