Hillandale CDP (part), Montgomery County, Maryland Fence Regulations: Height Limits Rules (2026)

Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Ch 59, Section 6.5.2 sets residential fence height limits. Front yard fences cannot exceed 4 feet measured from grade. Side and rear yard fences are limited to 6.5 feet. On corner lots, the sight-triangle area within 25 feet of the street intersection must maintain fences at or below 3 feet to preserve driver visibility. Fences on retaining walls measure height from the higher grade side. Agricultural zones (AR) permit taller fencing for livestock containment. The Board of Appeals may grant height variances for demonstrated need such as security or noise attenuation. DPS does not require a building permit for fences under 6.5 feet unless they are retaining walls or within setback areas. Decorative post caps and finials may extend up to 6 inches above the height limit. Estate residential (RE) zones may have additional restrictions through special exception conditions.