Height Limits: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do height limits rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo and Clarence have similar restriction levels.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Buffalo limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the Buffalo Green Code. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle rules. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and zoning review.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Erie County has no countywide fence-height ordinance. Fence height is a zoning matter set entirely by your city, town, or village. Rules commonly cap residential fences at 6 feet, with lower limits in front yards.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 ft max | - |
| Side and Rear | 6 ft max | - |
| Over 6 ft | Permit and zoning review | - |
| Corner Triangle | 30 in within 25 ft | - |
| Code | Green Code UDO | - |
| County limit | - | None; set by municipality |
| Amherst residential max | - | 6 feet (§ 7-5-1) |
| Amherst front yard max | - | 3 feet (§ 7-5-3) |
| Who to check | - | Your town/village zoning code |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
Can I install an 8-foot fence in my backyard?
Only with a building permit and zoning variance. Standard residential cap is 6 feet.
What if my property is in Allentown historic district?
Fence design must be reviewed by the Buffalo Preservation Board before installation.
Clarence FAQ
Does Erie County set a maximum fence height?
No. New York gives fence and zoning authority to cities, towns, and villages. Erie County has no countywide zoning ordinance, so check your municipality's code.
What is a typical residential fence height limit?
Many Erie County towns cap residential fences near 6 feet, with front yards limited to about 3 to 4 feet. The Town of Amherst uses exactly those figures.
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