Fort Smith's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 27, including Article 27-700 General Standards and Article 27-400 Zoning Districts) generally caps residential front-yard fences at 4 feet and side and rear-yard fences at 6 feet, with up to 8 feet allowed in some districts. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit.
Fence heights in Fort Smith are governed by Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances (the Unified Development Ordinance), including the General Standards in Article 27-700 and residential district rules in Article 27-400 (Section 27-416 and related). The common residential pattern is 4 feet maximum in front yards and 6 feet maximum in side and rear yards, with some districts allowing up to 8 feet on side and rear lines. Corner lots are subject to sight-triangle visibility limits so a fence does not obstruct intersection sight distance. Height is measured from existing grade to the top of the fence. Any fence over 6 feet in height requires a building permit from the Fort Smith Building Safety Division, in addition to zoning review.
Building a fence over the 4-foot front-yard cap, the 6-foot side/rear cap, or the district maximum violates Chapter 27. The Building Safety Division can issue a stop-work order, require an after-the-fact permit, or order the fence shortened or removed.
Fort Smith, AR
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See how Fort Smith's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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