3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Fairfax County's Zoning Ordinance limits front-yard fences and walls to 4 feet on most residential lots, while side and rear yards may go up to 7 feet. Lots of two acres or more in R-A through R-1 districts may have fences up to 7 feet in any yard. The Board of Zoning Appeals can grant a special permit to raise a front-yard fence to 6 feet.
Virginia has no statutory shared fence cost-sharing law. Each Fairfax County property owner is responsible for fences on their own property. Written agreements between neighbors are the only enforceable mechanism for sharing construction or repair costs.
All pools in Fairfax County deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward. Gaps under the fence cannot exceed 2 inches. Required under Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and ISPSC.
3 cities in Fairfax County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Fairfax County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Fairfax County Ordinance Hub →