Under the LFUCG Zoning Ordinance Article 15, residential fences may reach 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Kentucky partition fence law under KRS Chapter 256 governs boundary fence costs.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Zoning Ordinance Article 15 regulates fences throughout the Urban Service Boundary. In residential zones, fences within the front yard setback cannot exceed 4 feet in height, while fences in side and rear yards may reach 8 feet. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle rules that limit height to 3 feet within 25 feet of an intersection to preserve sight lines. Fences must be installed with the finished side facing neighboring properties. A building permit is required for any fence taller than 6 feet; shorter fences do not need a permit but must still meet zoning setbacks. Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 256 governs partition fences between adjoining agricultural or rural properties, which is especially relevant in Fayette County's Rural Service Area where horse farms, cattle operations, and equestrian estates border each other. Under KRS 256.030 adjoining owners typically share fence costs equally unless otherwise agreed. Historic districts such as Gratz Park, Woodward Heights, and Ashland Park require Board of Architectural Review approval for fence materials and designs.
Non-compliant fences can result in citation, required modification or removal, and fines up to 500 dollars per day under the LFUCG Zoning Ordinance enforcement provisions.
See how Lexington's fence requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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