Boone County, MO Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- County Height Cap
- None set generally
- Corner Vision Triangle
- 2 ft max, 20 ft from intersection
- Authority
- Zoning Ord. Sec. 10.B(10)
- Animal Enclosure Setback
- 50 ft from neighbor dwelling (lots ≤3 ac)
- Permits
- Contact Resource Mgmt (573) 886-4330
Summary
The Boone County Zoning Ordinance (last revised Jan 21, 2025) does not set numeric fence height limits in unincorporated areas. Section 10.B(10) requires fences over 2 feet stay outside corner-lot vision triangles (20 feet from intersecting street rights-of-way). Section 13 governs animal enclosures in residentially developed areas of 3 acres or less.
(10) No sign, fence, wall, shrub or other obstruction to vision exceeding two feet in height above the established street grade shall be erected, planted or maintained within the area of a corner lot that is included between the lines of the intersecting streets and a straight line connecting them at points 20 feet distant from the intersection of the street right-of-way lines. [And from the Boone County Building Code (IRC R105.2): permits are not required for] Fences not over twelve (12) feet high.
Full Breakdown
Boone County zoning regulations apply only to unincorporated lands (Section 1.C). The ordinance contains no general numeric cap on residential fence height. Section 10.B(10) prohibits any fence, wall, sign, shrub, or other vision obstruction over 2 feet high within the triangle formed by intersecting street right-of-way lines and a line connecting points 20 feet from the intersection. Fences are defined as 'structures' under Section 2 and must respect required yards. Section 13 limits animal-housing buildings within 50 feet of a dwelling on adjoining property where lots are 3 acres or smaller. Vicious or nuisance dog enclosures (Animal Control 2.4.2.2.3) require kennels embedded 2 feet in ground or with secure floor, and in Urban Service Areas must sit at least 10 feet from any property line. City limits (Columbia, Ashland, Centralia) have their own fence codes that supersede county rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in unincorporated Boone County?
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boone County
How Boone County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Boone County to another location·View the Missouri fence regulations overview
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