6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Washington County, Arkansas.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Washington County sets fence heights through county planning and zoning: front yards near 4 feet, side and rear fences up to 6 to 8 feet. Cities like Fayetteville set their own limits.
Washington County does not require a standalone permit for most residential fences in unincorporated areas, but fences must meet zoning setbacks and sight-line rules. Confirm easements and boundaries first.
Arkansas has no shared-cost residential fence statute, so Washington County neighbors split fence expenses only by agreement. Rural boundary and livestock fencing follows the state fence-in framework under Ark. Code 2-39-101.
Ark. Code § 2-39-101 (Kinds required for enclosures)
All fields and grounds kept for livestock enclosures shall be enclosed with a fence.
Washington County requires a building permit and engineered plans for retaining walls over 4 feet. Ozark hillside lots make drainage and slope surcharge critical design concerns. Shorter walls are usually exempt.
Washington County enforces the Arkansas-adopted residential building code for pool barriers: a fence at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around every in-ground pool, spa, or hot tub.
Rural Washington County allows a wide range of fencing including wood, wire, chain-link, and barbed wire on farm and large-lot parcels. Barbed and electric fence use is restricted inside cities like Fayetteville and Springdale.
1 cities in Washington 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 Washington County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Washington County Ordinance Hub →