Fence Regulations in Washoe County, NV (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Washoe County, Nevada.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Unincorporated Washoe County requires commercial and industrial development adjoining residential uses to build a fence, wall or perimeter planting at least 6 but not more than 8 feet high, under Development Code Article 412, Landscaping.
Fence Screening Requirements for Washoe County Development
Some RestrictionsWCC 110.406.50(b)
The fences, walls or perimeter planting in commercial and industrial development adjoining residential uses shall be at least six (6) feet but not more than eight (8) feet in height, in accordance with Article 412, Landscaping.
Fence Permit Requirements
Washoe County exempts most residential fences from a building permit under Washoe County Code § 100.105.2: fences up to 30 inches in the front yard or six feet elsewhere need no permit unless they serve as a required pool barrier or screening. Taller fences, wire fencing over 54 inches on large parcels, and any pool-barrier fence still need one.
Fence Permit Exemptions in Washoe County
Some RestrictionsWCC § 100.105.2(2), (16), (17)
100.105.2 - Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required where exempted by law and for the following: Building: ... 2.Residential fences not over 30 inches (76...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Unincorporated Washoe County lets fences be built anywhere within or on the lot line, subject to height limits, but bars fencing across county utility, sewer, water, drainage and access easements. Cost-sharing between neighbors is a private matter.
Fences on Property Lines and Easements in Washoe County
Some RestrictionsWashoe County Fences and Retaining Walls handout
Fences generally may be constructed anywhere within or on the lot line of your property... Fencing is not allowed in or across public or private access easements... Fencing is not allowed in or across easements maintained by Washoe County (i.e., sanitary sewer, waterline, storm drainage easements).
Retaining Walls
Retaining and rockery walls follow the same height limits as fences in unincorporated Washoe County. Combined fences and walls cannot exceed 6 feet in required side and rear setbacks, and no wall may exceed the height of the residence.
Retaining Wall Rules in Unincorporated Washoe County
Some RestrictionsWashoe County Fences and Retaining Walls handout
Combined fences and retaining walls shall not exceed 6 feet within the required side and rear setback areas... The height of the wall or walls cannot exceed the height of the residence/structure... Retaining walls are never allowed within or across Washoe County water, sewer or reclaimed water easements.
Material Restrictions
Unincorporated Washoe County permits standard wood, block and metal fences to code height, plus non-solid see-through specialty fences up to 10 feet for recreational courts, and entry gates/columns that exceed the fence height by up to 18 inches.
Allowed Fence Materials and Specialty Fences in Washoe County
Some RestrictionsWCC 110.406.50(c)
A specialty fence shall only be for the purposes of enclosing a tennis court, racquetball court, basketball court or other court-type recreational activity... The fence may not be greater than ten (10) feet in height... The fence shall not be located closer than five (5) feet to the side or rear property lines.
Fence Regulations by City in Washoe County
1 cities in Washoe County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Washoe County ordinances
See every category we cover for Washoe County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Washoe County Ordinance Hub →