Hampton, VA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max (R/MD/RT)
- 4 feet
- Side/rear max (R/MD/RT)
- 6 feet
- BB district front yard
- 24-42 inches
- Corner lot clearance
- No obstruction over 3 ft
- Setback exemption
- No residential setback applies
Summary
In Hampton's R, MD, and RT districts a fence, wall, or hedge tops out at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side or rear yards, exempt from the usual residential setback rules under the zoning ordinance.
In any R, MD, or RT district, a fence, screen, wall, natural fence, hedge or thick growth of shrubs or trees shall be permitted and shall not be subject to any residential setback requirements provided that the height of any such permitted feature not exceed six (6) feet in side or rear yards, and four (4) feet in front yards, or such lesser height as may be prescribed by law.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton Zoning Ordinance § 1-18(1) sets the citywide baseline for residential districts (R, MD, RT): front-yard fences, walls, natural fences, and hedges may not exceed 4 feet, and side- or rear-yard versions may not exceed 6 feet, with no residential setback required. Commercial towers, government utility structures, and utility substations may reach 6 feet in a front yard. In the Buckroe Bayfront (BB-1 through BB-5) districts, § 1-18(2) instead sets a 24-42 inch range in front yards and 36 inches to 6 feet in side or rear yards. Every fence, wall, or hedge must also satisfy the corner-lot vision clearance rule in § 1-17: nothing over 3 feet may obstruct sightlines within 20 feet of a curb-line intersection.
Violations & Fines
Zoning violations get written notice with a right to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days; unresolved violations are misdemeanors punishable by escalating fines up to $1,500 per 10-day period under § 1-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front-yard fence be in Hampton?
Can I build a 6-foot fence along my side or back yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
How Hampton compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia fence regulations overview
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