Vanderburgh County, IN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence regulation in Vanderburgh County is split between the County Code (Chapter 15.20 - Fences) and the joint Evansville-Vanderburgh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which governs zoning and development standards in both the City of Evansville and unincorporated Vanderburgh County under a consolidated Area Plan Commission. The general residential height standards drawn from the UDO and Chapter 17.12 (general standards) limit fences and walls in required yard setbacks to: 3 feet maximum in required front yards on corner lots; 4 feet maximum in other required front yards; and 6 feet maximum along side and rear lot lines of residential property. Heights are measured from natural grade to the top of the fence. Chapter 15.20 specifically authorizes electric fences for restraining farm animals on agriculturally zoned property, subject to construction, signage, and energizer-rating requirements. Fences in or near sight-distance triangles at street intersections, alley intersections, and driveway approaches are limited to lower heights to preserve traffic visibility - typically nothing taller than 30 inches within the triangle. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are generally prohibited in residential zones but allowed in industrial, agricultural, and certain commercial zones. Fence permits in the City of Evansville are issued by the Building Commission; in unincorporated Vanderburgh County, the Area Plan Commission and Building Commissioner review zoning compliance and issue permits. Fences must be maintained in structurally sound condition, with the finished side facing adjoining properties. Indiana has no state fence-height statute for residential property; IC 32-26 covers partition fences (shared-cost rural fence statute) but does not preempt local height limits.