Lawrence, KS Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 16-604 governs fences enclosing plots used for dwelling purposes anywhere in the city. Front yard fences erected ahead of the front building line can run up to four feet regardless of class, except the classes defined in § 16-601(a) and (e), masonry walls and solid wood or metal fencing that's less than half open, which top out at three feet. Side yard fences built behind the front building line and within the required side yard may run up to four feet next to the neighboring or same-site dwelling, whichever line is farther from the front property line, and up to six feet behind that point.

Rear yard fences along the rear property line can reach six feet, and an owner can add another 18 inches of plain or woven wire on top of that. Fences built on top of a retaining wall are measured from the low-side grade, though masonry, ornamental iron and woven-wire classes can still reach four feet above the high-side grade. Retaining walls themselves have to be engineered to resist lateral pressure and drain properly, can't sit in a front yard if the building inspector calls them unsightly or harmful to neighboring property, and can't exceed the height a front-yard fence would be allowed under this same section.

Anyone who wants to exceed these limits can ask the building inspector for a variance under § 16-605, and a fence that violates § 16-604 without one is declared a nuisance under § 16-606, giving the owner five days from the building inspector's notice to remove it.