Lakewood, OH Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Behind building line (rear/side)
- 72 in. (6 ft) max
- In front of building line
- 36 in. (3 ft) max
- Abutting non-residential lot
- Up to 96 in. (top 25% open)
- Front-yard parallel fence
- 36 in., <=55% of foundation wall, >=10 ft from ROW
- Code Section
- Chapter 1153 (Fence Placement and Types)
Summary
Lakewood caps fences at 72 inches (6 ft) behind the front building line and 36 inches (3 ft) in front of it. Rear and side yards allow a maximum of 72 inches; up to 96 inches is allowed only where a residential use abuts a non-residential lot, with the portion above 72 inches kept 25 percent open.
Front Yards. No fence shall be erected, placed, or extended in front of the front foundation wall of the primary structure. There are two exceptions: (1) Along a side property line where a residential use abuts a lot containing a non-residential use, upon determination by the Building Commissioner that such a fence does not obstruct the view of vehicle or pedestrian traffic or constitute a hazard. The maximum height of such a fence is forty-eight (48) inches above grade. The fence must be a minimum of twelve (12) inches from the right-of-way. (2) A fence erected in the front yard and parallel to the public right-of-way may be permitted provided that: A. The maximum height shall be thirty-six (36) inches above grade. B. The maximum length of the fence shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the foundation wall of the primary structure facing the public right of way. C. The maximum distance from any portion of the primary structure, including porches, shall be eight (8) feet. D. The minimum distance from the public right-of-way shall be ten (10) feet. E. No gate shall be included in the fence. Rear and Side Yards. A fence a maximum of seventy-two (72) inches above grade may be installed. Whenever a rear or side yard of a residential use abuts a lot containing a non-residential use a fence a maximum of ninety-six (96) inches above grade may be installed provided any portion above seventy-two (72) inches is a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) open to the through passage of light and air between abutting properties.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 1153 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood governs fence height. Under FENCE PLACEMENT AND TYPES, no fence may be erected in front of the front foundation wall of the primary structure except two narrow exceptions: (1) along a side property line where a residential use abuts a non-residential lot, a fence up to 48 inches above grade is allowed at least 12 inches from the right-of-way, and (2) a fence parallel to the public right-of-way may be permitted at a maximum height of 36 inches above grade, no longer than 55 percent of the foundation wall facing the right-of-way, at least 10 feet from the right-of-way, and with no gate.
In rear and side yards a fence a maximum of 72 inches above grade may be installed; where a rear or side yard of a residential use abuts a non-residential lot, a fence up to 96 inches is allowed provided any portion above 72 inches is at least 25 percent open to the through passage of light and air. The City's Fence Packet (June 2024) summarizes the rule as fences no higher than 6 feet (72 inches) behind the building line and no higher than 3 feet (36 inches) in front of the building line.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding the permitted height are a zoning violation enforced by the Division of Housing and Building. The Building Commissioner may deny or revoke the fence permit and order the non-conforming fence lowered or removed at the owner's expense; building without a valid permit is punishable under LCO 1306.69 by fines and other penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in Lakewood?
Can I put a fence in my front yard?
Why is my front fence limited to 3 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Ohio fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle height limits.