Fence Regulations in Charleston County, SC (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In unincorporated Charleston County, fences may sit within required setbacks but cannot obstruct roadway sight lines between three and ten feet above grade, and a 15-foot vision-clearance triangle must be kept clear at residential driveways. Fences also cannot block natural drainage or sit unlawfully in easements.
Fence Rules and Vision-Clearance Requirements, Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston County ZLDR §4.2.3.A.2
In all Zoning Districts, fences, hedges and walls may be located within any required setback, provided that no fence, wall or hedge shall obstruct the view of vehicular access to any Roadway between three (3) and ten (10) feet in height above grade.
Fence Permit Requirements
In unincorporated Charleston County, a fence over 6 feet tall triggers the general building permit requirement under the county's adopted building code. Fences at or under 6 feet are exempt from that permit under Sec. 4-20, § 105.2, but the exemption never waives compliance with zoning setbacks or other ordinance provisions the Building Official still enforces.
Fence Permit Rules in Unincorporated Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code § 4-20, §§ 105.1, 105.2 (item 2)
105.1 Required Permits. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by "this code", or to cause any such work to be done, shall f...
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall over 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, needs a Charleston County building permit before construction starts. Walls of 4 feet or under are exempt under Sec. 4-20, § 105.2, unless the wall supports a surcharge or holds back Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
Retaining Wall Permit Rules, Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code § 4-20, §§ 105.1, 105.2 (item 4)
105.1 Required Permits. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by "this code", or to cause any such work to be done, shall f...
Material Restrictions
Charleston County allows common fencing materials without a special approved list. The key distinction is masonry: brick, stone, or concrete fences need a zoning permit at any height, while other materials under six feet are usually exempt. All fences must meet building code and cannot obstruct drainage.
Approved Fence Materials in Unincorporated Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston County ZLDR §4.2.4.A.2
Fences and Walls shall not limit or obstruct the flow of water in natural drainage courses or Drainage Easements.
Fence Regulations by City in Charleston County
2 cities in Charleston County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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