6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in District of Columbia, District of Columbia.
Verified from official government sources
DC fence heights are regulated under 12-A DCMR 3112. Residential zones allow fences up to 7 feet abutting a street. Commercial and mixed-use zones permit up to 10 feet. Historic districts limit front fences to 3 feet 6 inches between the front facade and front lot line.
DC requires a permit application with an official building plat showing the proposed fence location. Zoning Administrator approval is needed under 12-A DCMR 3112. An exception exists for replacing an existing lawful fence of the same extent, location, height, and grade.
DC requires written agreements for party line fences exceeding standard height limits (7 ft residential, 10 ft commercial) under 12-A DCMR 3112. The agreement must be filed with the code official. Standard property line fences require proper setback from the public right-of-way.
Retaining walls in DC require a DOB building permit when over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing or when supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, slope). Engineered plans stamped by a DC-licensed professional engineer are required for permitted walls per DCMR 12-A section 105 and the 2017 DC Construction Codes.
All residential pools and spas in DC must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2017 DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12-A Appendix G, based on IRC Appendix G). Minimum barrier height is 48 inches, gates must self-close and self-latch with the release at least 54 inches above grade, and openings must not pass a 4-inch sphere.
DC fence materials are governed by DC Zoning Regulations (DCMR Title 11) section C-1404 and the Construction Code. Wood, wrought iron, brick, masonry, and vinyl are permitted. Barbed and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont, Mount Pleasant, etc.) require Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approval before installation or replacement.
1 cities in District of Columbia have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for District of Columbia — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
District of Columbia Ordinance Hub →