Mebane, NC Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Mebane UDO Section 4-2(D) sets these residential limits and, for recreational, agricultural, and mining uses, caps fences at eight feet unless the fence observes the zoning district's principal building setbacks or sits at least fifteen feet from all property lines, in which case it may reach twelve feet. Commercial, industrial, institutional, and office uses follow the same eight-foot cap and setback-or-fifteen-foot exception, without the twelve-foot allowance. Height is measured at the fence's highest point, excluding columns or posts, from the grade on the side nearest the abutting property or street; columns or posts cannot rise more than eighteen inches above the built fence height and must be spaced at least four feet apart except at gates.

A fence cannot obstruct vision at any street intersection, block access from a door or window, or come within two feet of a building wall except where the fence projects from that wall, and it cannot alter the natural flow of water in a stream, creek, or drainage swale. These height limits do not apply to fences around electric or gas substations, municipal solid waste facilities, water or sewage treatment plants, municipal water storage facilities, correctional or mental institutions, military facilities, or hazardous or radioactive waste sites.

The Planning and Zoning Department last amended this section June 3, 2024, as part of the city's Total UDO compilation now current through June 1, 2026.