Fences in residential districts are limited to 4 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side and rear yards under the New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) Article 21. Local Historic Districts and the Vieux Carre require Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) or Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) review for any new fence visible from the street. Most residential fences under 7 feet do not require a building permit but must comply with zoning.
Under New Orleans CZO Article 21, Section 21.6, fence height in residential zoning districts is capped at 4 feet in any required front yard and 7 feet in side and interior rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight triangle restrictions where no fence over 3 feet may be placed within 15 feet of an intersection to protect motorist visibility. Permitted materials include wood, masonry, wrought iron, decorative metal, and chain link, except in historic districts where chain link, vinyl, and razor or barbed wire are prohibited from street-facing yards. The HDLC reviews fences in 14 designated local historic districts including the Garden District, Marigny, Bywater, and Treme, and the Vieux Carre Commission reviews any work in the French Quarter under Louisiana Revised Statutes 25:721 et seq. Properties in flood zones must allow stormwater to flow under solid fences (a 2-inch gap or weep openings is typical). Fences in public servitudes can be removed by the city without compensation. Industrial and commercial sites may use barbed wire only above 7 feet. Property owners should call Louisiana 811 before digging post holes, and should commission a survey to confirm the property line, especially in older neighborhoods where lots have shifted over decades.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact New Orleans code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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