Fence Regulations in Jefferson County, MO (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Jefferson County, Missouri.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Jefferson County caps residential front-yard fences at four feet under UDO Section 400.2860, rising to eight feet on RA-5 and LR-2 lots with a two-thirds-open design. Rear and side fences can reach eight feet, but a corner lot keeps the four-foot cap forward of the front setback line to preserve sight distance.
Jefferson County Fence Height and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsJefferson County, MO UDO § 400.2860
In residential districts, the following restrictions and standards shall apply to all fences and masonry walls: 1. Front yard. A fence or masonry wall constructed within the front yard setback shall not exceed four (4) feet in height in the "R-40", "R-20", "R-10" and "R-7" zone districts. In the "RA-5" Rural/Agricultural and "LR-2" Large Lot Residential Districts, however, such fence may be inc...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Jefferson County caps residential fences on the front-yard setback line at 4 feet (up to 8 feet if two-thirds open like picket or split rail in rural districts) and allows fences up to 8 feet on rear and side property lines, with corner-lot limits to protect sight lines.
Jefferson County Property-Line Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsJefferson County UDO § 400.2860(A)
A. In residential districts, the following restrictions and standards shall apply to all fences and masonry walls: 1. Front yard. A fence or masonry wall constructed within the front yard setback shall not exceed four (4) feet in height in the "R-40", "R-20", "R-10" and "R-7" zone districts. In the "RA-5" Rural/Agricultural and "LR-2" Large Lot Residential Districts, however, such fence may be ...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls up to six feet tall, measured from finished grade to the top of the wall excluding any cap, don't need a building permit in Jefferson County unless they support a surcharge. Walls that do require a permit must be engineered for a 1.5 safety factor against overturning and sliding, per the county's amendments to the International Building Code.
Jefferson County Retaining Wall Permit Threshold
Some RestrictionsJefferson County, MO Code of Ordinances § 500.390 (amending IBC §§ 105.2, 1807.2.1)
Retaining walls that are not over six (6) feet in height measured from the finished grade to the top of the wall, excluding the cap, unless supporting a surcharge. ... Retaining walls requiring permits shall be designed by an engineer to ensure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift. Retaining walls shall be designed for a safety factor of 1.5 aga...
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