Forsyth County, NC Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-free height
- Six feet or under
- Permit trigger
- Over six feet
- Over-6-ft plans
- Engineer-sealed elevation and footing
- Governing code
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth UDO
- Authority
- NCGS Chapter 160D
Summary
Under the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO, a residential fence six feet or under needs no building permit; anything over six feet triggers a permit and engineer-stamped plans. No zoning setback applies to the fence itself.
Permits are required for fences that are over six (6) feet in height; if your fence is six (6) feet in height or under, a building permit is not required.
Full Breakdown
The joint Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Unified Development Ordinances (UDO, NCGS Ch. 160D) and the Inspections Department govern fences on unincorporated county land. The six-foot mark is the key threshold: fences at or below six feet need no building permit, while taller fences require a permit plus scaled building plans (fence elevation and footing design) sealed by an engineer. There is no dimensional setback from the property line for the fence, but corner-lot sight triangles and easements still constrain placement. Homeowner-association covenants may impose stricter limits; the county does not enforce those.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence over six feet without the required permit and engineered plans is a UDO/building-code violation; Inspections can issue stop-work orders and require permitting or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a normal backyard fence?
What if my fence is taller than six feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
How Forsyth County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.