7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Montgomery County limits fence height to 4 feet in front yards and 6.5 feet in side and rear yards under Zoning Ordinance Ch 59, Section 6.5.2. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions. Fences above 6.5 feet require a variance from the Board of Appeals.
Montgomery County does not require DPS building permits for most residential fences under 6.5 feet. Permits are required for retaining walls, fences in floodplains, and fences within setback areas. MCDOT right-of-way permits needed if a fence is near a county road.
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County requires DPS building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height or supporting a surcharge load. Engineered plans from a licensed PE are mandatory for walls over 4 feet. Stormwater management review is required in the Chesapeake Bay watershed under WSSC and DEP rules.
Montgomery County requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches with self-closing, self-latching gates under DPS building code enforcement. All swimming pools must comply with Maryland COMAR 05.02.11 barrier standards. DPS inspection required before pool use.
Montgomery County regulates fence placement under Ch 59 Zoning Ordinance requiring setback compliance, finished side facing outward, and prohibited materials including barbed wire in residential zones. Fences must not obstruct drainage or stormwater flow in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approved materials include wood, vinyl, composite, ornamental metal, and masonry. Fence materials in historic districts require Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approval.
3 cities in Montgomery County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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