Manhattan is almost entirely zoned for dense urban use, so backyard fences are rare. The NYC Zoning Resolution caps residential fences at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side or rear yards.
New York County is coextensive with the Borough of Manhattan, where the NYC Zoning Resolution controls fence placement rather than a separate county code. In the limited R1 through R5 residential districts (mostly found in small historic pockets), fences up to 4 feet tall are generally allowed in front yards and up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. In higher-density R6 through R10 districts that dominate Manhattan, most lot lines abut buildings, sidewalks, or rear yards shared between buildings, leaving little space for private fencing. Rooftop, terrace, and balcony guardrails are governed by the NYC Building Code rather than zoning fence rules. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces height limits, and fences that exceed allowed heights or encroach on the public right of way can be removed by the Department of Transportation or result in DOB violations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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