Billings, MT Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max height
- 4 feet
- Side/rear yard max height
- 6 feet without setback
- Permit trigger
- over 36 inches
- Barbed wire
- industrial zones only, 8-ft fence
- Governing section
- Sec. 27-1209
Summary
Billings caps front-yard fences at 4 feet and side/rear fences at 6 feet, with a planning division permit required above 36 inches.
The maximum height for fences, walls, or hedges in a required front yard setback is four (4) feet. Front yard setbacks are defined in the applicable zone district.2.Side and rear yards.(a)Fences, walls, or hedges between a height of four (4) and six (6) feet may be erected or maintained in any side or rear yard setback. Fences may not block a clear vision area pursuant to subsection 27-1802.H.(b)Any fence, wall, or hedge in excess of six (6) feet shall meet all of the yard setback requirements for structures as defined in the applicable zone district and will require a building permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 27-1209 of the Billings zoning code, fences, walls, and hedges may go up in any zoning district if height, setback, and material rules are followed and a permit is secured. Any fence over 36 inches and up to 7 feet needs a planning division permit; fences over 7 feet may need a Building Division permit too. Front yards cap out at 4 feet; side and rear yards allow up to 6 feet without extra setbacks, and anything taller must meet full structure setback requirements.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required planning division permit, exceeding the 4-foot front-yard or 6-foot side/rear-yard cap without meeting structure setbacks, or blocking a clear vision area can trigger code enforcement and a stop-work or removal order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fence in Billings?
How tall can a front-yard fence be in Billings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana fence regulations overview
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