Bowling Green, KY Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Sec. 4.4.5.E (Accessory Structures) is the master fence provision for single-family residential property in the joint zoning jurisdiction. Item 1 states: 'No accessory building or structure shall extend beyond the front of the principal structure, excluding fences 4 feet or less in height. The front of the principal structure shall be defined as the facade of the structure containing the front door. In the case of a corner lot, no accessory building or structure shall be located nearer to the side street than the depth of any required front yard for a dwelling along such side street, excluding fences. Fences are not subject to building or structure setbacks, but are subject to sight distance requirements in Section 1.14 of this Ordinance.' Sec. 4.5.4.F.1 mirrors this rule for multi-family districts. In commercial zones, Sec. 4.6.8.J.2 states: 'Fences are not subject to building or structure setbacks, but must adhere to the sight distance requirements in Section 1.14 of this Ordinance.' Sec. 4.6.8.J.3 adds: 'In the case of a corner lot, no accessory building or structure shall extend beyond the front of the principal structure or be nearer to the side street than the depth of any required front yard for a dwelling along such side street. Fences constructed on a corner lot are subject to the height limitations listed in Section 4.6.8.J.1 for yards along all frontages.' Sec. 4.7.3.J.3 exempts industrial-district fences from both setback and height limits except for sight distance. The City of Bowling Green Building Division screens fence permit applications specifically for drainage-easement encroachment, given the karst topography. The Warren County agricultural exemption (Sec. 4.3.6) waives both permits and setbacks for fences on AG-zoned land 2 acres or larger.