Elyria, OH Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 1137.15 splits fence height by where the fence sits and what the property is used for. A front yard fence is any fence inside the required front yard. It cannot top four (4) feet and has to stay open for at least fifty percent (50%) of its projected area, with the openings evenly distributed, as in chain link or a picket with a 2" board and a 2" opening. Two exceptions apply: a fence formed of a natural plant species can be compact throughout, and where the main dwelling on the lot or on either neighboring lot extends into the required front yard, the four-foot, fifty-percent-open rule covers the stretch out to the greatest distance from the public right of way to that foundation.

Side yard and rear yard fences cannot be higher than six (6) feet. A fence on a corner lot, in a side or rear yard that abuts the front yard of any adjacent property, drops to four (4) feet and fifty percent open. Commercial and industrial fences cannot exceed eight (8) feet. The Building Inspector can approve a taller one in advance for equipment security or protection, or when Design Review Guidelines require full screening of areas or activities from public view. A commercial or industrial fence in a required front yard is held to four (4) feet and fifty percent open.

Height is measured from a point not to exceed four (4) inches above the finished grade line or natural contour of the ground, and the fence has to follow the contour as far as is practical. A fence along or near a front property line sits a minimum of six (6) inches from the property line or a minimum of eighteen (18) inches from any public sidewalk, whichever is greater.

Corner sight lines have their own rule in § 1137.09. On a corner lot in any Residential District, or in a Professional Office District where a front yard is required, no fence, sign or other structure, planting or other obstruction to vision higher than four (4) feet above the established street grades can stand within the line connecting points twenty (20) feet from the edge of the street.