Charleston limits fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the Zoning Ordinance. Historic district properties may face additional height and design requirements.
Under Charleston's Zoning Ordinance, residential fence heights are limited to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots must maintain sight triangles at intersections. In historic districts, the Board of Architectural Review reviews fence proposals for height, design, and material compatibility. Fences on commercial properties may have different height limits based on zoning district. Retaining walls may count toward fence height calculations.
Non-compliant fences must be brought into compliance after notice. Fines apply for failure to correct violations.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how other cities in Charleston County handle height limits.
See how Charleston's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.