Fargo, ND Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max
- 3 ft (4 ft if 75% light-permeable)
- Rear yard max (standard)
- 6.5 feet
- Rear yard max (3-ft setback)
- 8.5 feet
- Corner lot sight triangle
- 3 ft within 20 ft of intersection
- Commercial/industrial max
- 8.5 ft (6.5 ft if abutting residential)
Summary
Fargo caps residential fences at 3 feet in front yards and 6.5 to 8.5 feet in rear yards, scaled by setback and lot position.
Within SR, MR, UMU, NC and NO zoning districts, restrictions on the height of fences, walls and closely grown hedges shall be as follows:(a)in any front yard no fence, wall or hedge shall exceed 3 feet in height, provided however, that fences that are at least 75% light-permeable may exceed 3 feet, but may not exceed 4 feet in height;(b)in any street side yard or interior sideyard from the front property line extending the length of the front-yard setback distance or to the front of any existing house or other principal building, whichever length is greater, no fence, wall or hedge shall exceed 3 feet in height, provided however, that fences that are at least 75% light-permeable may exceed 3 feet, but may not exceed 4 feet in height;(c)in any street side yard or interior side yard from the point identified in subparagraph (b) hereof to the rear property boundary or in any rear yard no fence, wall or hedge shall exceed 6.5 feet in height; and,(d)in any rear yard, any fence, wall, or hedge located at least three feet from the property line may exceed 6.5 feet, but may not exceed 8.5 feet.
Full Breakdown
Fargo's Land Development Code sets fence, wall, and hedge height by yard type. Front yards top out at 3 feet (4 feet if at least 75% light-permeable). Side yards follow the same 3/4-foot rule up to the front building line, then step up to 6.5 feet toward the rear. Rear-yard fencing set back 3 feet from the line can reach 8.5 feet. Corner lots must stay under 3 feet within 20 feet of an intersection for sight distance. Commercial/industrial districts allow 8.5 feet generally, but only 6.5 feet where adjacent to residential zoning.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Administrator enforces the Land Development Code; noncompliant fences are subject to a zoning violation/code enforcement order to remove or modify the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a fence be in a Fargo front yard?
Can I build a taller fence in my backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
How Fargo compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota fence regulations overview
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