In unincorporated Buncombe County, a fence ten feet or less is exempt from yard setbacks and may sit on the property line. Fences must not block sight distance on corner lots, and screening or buffer fences in nonresidential settings carry specific height and maintenance duties.
The Buncombe County Zoning Ordinance regulates fences chiefly through three rules. Section 78-581 exempts fences ten feet or less from setback requirements. Section 78-661 bars any corner-lot fence, wall, sign, or obstruction that interferes with intersection sight distance. Where a nonresidential use adjoins a residential use, Section 78-667 allows a 'solid visual barrier fence eight feet in height' as an approved buffer, and requires that every buffer fence 'be maintained in good repair, including periodic painting or refinishing where required.' The county sets no general residential fence-material restrictions. Municipalities such as Asheville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville enforce their own fence codes within town limits.
Failure to maintain a required buffer fence, or a fence blocking corner sight distance, is a zoning violation subject to a $100.00 per day civil penalty under Section 78-583, waivable if cured within 30 days.
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