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Horry County, SC Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Emergency access
Gate or breakaway section required
Sight lines
Must stay clear at intersections
Front setback
10 ft for privacy fences
Height cap
8 ft residential; 12 ft listed
Code section
Zoning Ordinance Sec. 412

Summary

Every fence in unincorporated Horry County must permit emergency access to the enclosed area, keep vehicular sight lines clear at intersections and driveways, and honor the ten-foot front privacy-fence setback. Height is capped at eight feet in residential districts.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All fences or walls shall be designed to permit emergency access to the enclosed area, whether by use of gate or a breakaway section.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).

Full Breakdown

Section 412 of the Horry County Zoning Ordinance sets the baseline requirements for all fences and walls. Section 412.B.5 requires that all fences or walls be designed to permit emergency access to the enclosed area, whether by a gate or a breakaway section. Section 412.A bars any fence or wall designed to obstruct the vision of vehicular traffic at street and/or driveway intersections, protecting the sight triangle. Privacy fences in front or corner side yards must meet the ten-foot setback from rights-of-way (Section 412.B.4.a), and heights follow the eight-/twelve-foot ceilings. A building permit is required for fences over seven feet. These rules apply to unincorporated land; the incorporated cities set their own fence standards.

Violations & Fines

Fences that block emergency access or a sight triangle, or that violate setback or height limits, are zoning violations. Code Enforcement can order correction or removal, with civil penalties accruing until the fence complies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my fence need a gate for emergency access?
Yes. Section 412.B.5 requires every fence or wall to permit emergency access to the enclosed area, whether through a gate or a breakaway section.
Can a fence block the view at my driveway?
No. Section 412.A prohibits any fence or wall designed to obstruct the vision of vehicular traffic at street and driveway intersections, preserving the sight triangle.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

All Horry County rules

How Horry County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina fence regulations overview

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