Fence Regulations in Yellowstone County, MT (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Yellowstone County, Montana.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the zoned 4.5-mile fringe around Billings (governed by the unified Chapter 27 zoning code), fences up to 3 feet are allowed in the required front-yard setback and up to 6 feet elsewhere. Over 6 feet must meet structure setbacks. Truly rural, unzoned county land has no county fence-height rule.
Fence Height Limits in Yellowstone County, MT
Some RestrictionsBillings/Yellowstone County Zoning Code Sec. 27-604
Fences, walls or hedges of up to three (3) feet may be erected or maintained in the required front yard setback... and any fence, wall or hedge in excess of six (6) feet shall meet all of the yard setback requirements for structures.
Fence Permit Requirements
A fence, wall, or hedge taller than three feet in unincorporated Yellowstone County needs a fence permit from the planning department, and anything over seven feet needs a full Zoning Compliance Permit instead. Fences three feet and under need no permit at all, and none may sit inside a public right-of-way.
Fence Permit Rules in Yellowstone County
Some RestrictionsYellowstone County Zoning Code, § 27-1209.A
1. Fences, walls, and hedges may be erected or maintained in any zoning district provided the height, setback, and material provisions outlined below are followed and a permit is secured. 2. "Fence" for the purposes of this section means any fence, wall or hedge. 3. No fence shall be erected or maintained in a public right-of-way. 4. Any fence greater than a height of three (3) feet and equal t...
Retaining Walls
Yellowstone County's Zoning Code sets no height limit for retaining walls, but Section 27-1203.C.1(i) requires any proposed retaining wall's location, size, and construction material to be shown on the landscape plan submitted for a zoning compliance permit.
Retaining Wall Disclosure Rule in Yellowstone County
Light RestrictionsYellowstone County Zoning Code § 27-1203.C.1(i)
(h) Location of walls, fences, screening, and refuse storage areas. (i) Location of any proposed retaining walls, indicating size and material to be used in the construction of the wall.
Material Restrictions
Most residential zones in the Billings/Yellowstone County jurisdiction allow common fencing but forbid barbed and razor wire in front and near dwellings. In special overlay districts (EBURD), barbed wire, chain link, exposed block, metal mesh and razor wire are prohibited except in industrial-sanctuary areas.
Fence Material Restrictions in Yellowstone County, MT
Some RestrictionsBillings/Yellowstone County Zoning Code Sec. 27-900 (EBURD fences and walls)
Permitted materials. Brick; stone; cast stone; wood; painted, matte finish vinyl; wood composites; or steel are permitted fence and wall materials. Prohibited materials. Barbed wire, chain link, exposed cinder or concrete block, metal mesh, and razor wire and single wire fences and wall are prohibited.
Fence Regulations by City in Yellowstone County
1 cities in Yellowstone County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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