7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in New York County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Manhattan is almost entirely zoned for dense urban use, so backyard fences are rare. The NYC Zoning Resolution caps residential fences at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side or rear yards.
Most residential fences under 6 feet that meet zoning do not require a DOB permit, but work in historic districts or on landmarked properties requires Landmarks Preservation Commission approval first.
New York State Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law 843 prohibits spite fences. In Manhattan, boundary disputes are usually resolved through civil action in Housing Court or Supreme Court, not by a county ordinance.
Retaining walls in Manhattan are regulated under the NYC Building Code and Zoning Resolution. Walls over 4 feet in exposed height require licensed design professionals and a NYC Department of Buildings permit.
Private outdoor pools are rare in Manhattan, but any residential pool over 24 inches deep must have a 4-foot barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates under NYC Building Code Section 3109.
Fences in Manhattan must comply with the NYC Zoning Resolution, Building Code, and Landmarks rules where applicable. They must be structurally sound, not encroach on the sidewalk, and not create sightline hazards.
Barbed and razor wire are prohibited on residential property in NYC. In landmarked or historic districts of Manhattan, the LPC controls fence materials and typically requires iron, wood, or masonry.
1 cities in New York 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 New York County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
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