Fairfax County, VA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max
- 4 feet (general rule)
- Side/rear yard max
- 7 feet (general rule)
- Large lot (2+ acres) max
- 7 feet in any yard
- Decorative feature allowance
- +9 inches for posts/finials
Summary
Fairfax County's zoning ordinance caps residential fences and walls at 7 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards, with taller limits allowed for large lots and corner properties.
Unless otherwise allowed by subsection 4102.7.A(7)(c) below, the maximum allowed height
for a fence or wall is as established in Table 4102.4: Maximum Allowed Fence or Wall Height.
Table 4102.4: Maximum Allowed Fence or Wall Height
Yard where Fence Location, Size, or Use of Lot Material Fence or Wall Composed of Maximum or Wall Located Allowed Height of
Fence or Wall (ft.) [2]
Front, Side, or Lot of 2 or more acres located in R-A, R-C, R-E, or No requirement 7 R-1 Districts Rear Any Industrial use No requirement 8
All uses No requirement 4
Front Residential corner lot that abuts a major Solid wood, masonry, or composite 8
thoroughfare [1] material
Notes:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
Table 4102.4 of the Zoning Ordinance sets maximum fence and wall heights by yard and lot type: 4 feet for front yards under the general rule, 7 feet for side and rear yards, and up to 8 feet for industrial uses or a solid masonry corner-lot fence along a major thoroughfare. Lots of two or more acres in the R-A, R-C, R-E, or R-1 Districts may reach 7 feet in any yard. Decorative posts, finials, and lighting fixtures may exceed the approved height by up to nine inches if spaced at least three feet apart.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence or wall above the height allowed in Table 4102.4 without approval is a zoning violation; the Zoning Administrator can require the fence be removed or lowered to the allowed height.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard privacy fence be in Fairfax County?
Can decorative fence posts be taller than the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
How Fairfax County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.