Fence Regulations in Franklin County, NC (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Franklin County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In unincorporated Franklin County, fences and walls along a side or rear lot line may reach 6 feet, while a fence in the required front yard or street yard is capped at 4 feet, except industrial-zoned lots may build front fences up to 6 feet too. Fences cannot be placed inside any recorded easement.
Franklin County Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsFranklin County Unified Development Code § 6.7.1.A
A.A fence or wall not more than 6' in height may be installed along any side and rear lot line. A fence or wall in any required front yard or street yard shall not exceed 4' in height, except that industrial districts may be 6' tall.
Retaining Walls
Unincorporated Franklin County does not set a general height or permit standard for retaining walls, but where a retaining wall involves placing fill inside a regulated floodway or non-encroachment area, UDC § 9.2.5(B)(10)(b) requires it to meet the same no-rise encroachment limits that govern any other fill or construction in that floodway.
Franklin County Restricts Floodway Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsFranklin County Unified Development Code § 9.2.5(B)(10)(b), (E)(1)
10.Other Development ... b.Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways in regulated floodways and NEAs. Retaining walls and sidewalks and driveways that involve the placement of fill in regulated floodways shall meet the limitations of this Section. ... E.Floodways and Non-Encroachment Areas ... 1.No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other developments ...
Material Restrictions
Barbed wire fencing is prohibited across unincorporated Franklin County except for industrial districts, agricultural uses, protection of public utilities, and security fencing tied to outdoor RV and boat storage. Where it is allowed, it must be screened year-round by vegetation, with jails and detention centers exempt from that screening requirement.
Franklin County Barbed Wire Fence Rules
Significant RestrictionsFranklin County Unified Development Code § 6.7.2
A.Barbed wire is prohibited except when used in or for the following:1.Industrial Districts2.Agricultural Uses3.Protection of Public Utilities4.Security Fencing under Section 5.3.1 (Outdoor Storage for Parking Recreation Vehicles (RV's) and Boats)B.Where barbed wire is utilized, it shall be fully screened year-round by vegetation of an appropriate height.C.The screening requirement does not app...
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