New Haven, CT Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

" A required yard is defined in Article I as the open space measured from a lot line inward to the principal building, so the eight-foot cap applies to the strip along the front, side and rear lot lines, not to a fence set back deeper into the lot. Section 26 folds the fence-specific rule back into this same framework, stating only that "Fences and enclosure walls shall be subject to the provisions of section 25 if located within a required yard, and to the provisions of section 28 relating to corner visibility," meaning New Haven regulates fences primarily through the yard-obstruction rule rather than a standalone fence ordinance.

Section 28 adds a second, independent limit for corner lots in every residence district except RH-2: no fence, wall, planting or structure (other than a necessary retaining wall) may obstruct vision between two and one-half feet and ten feet above the curb within a sight triangle formed by the two street lines and a line connecting points 25 feet from their intersection. Utility poles, light poles and bare tree trunks are excluded from that visibility restriction. Section 25 also caps other yard encroachments in the same subsection group: building walls may project only six inches into a required yard, and most other projections such as steps or open porches are limited to three or five feet, always staying at least five feet from any lot line.