Newark, OH Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Chapter 1276 of the Newark Code of Ordinances sets fence heights by district group. For the CD, AD and every R-District, § 1276.01 allows fences, walls and similar structures in required yards under two height tiers. In any yard, including the front yard, the limit is four feet above the adjacent ground. In a side or rear yard the limit is six feet above the adjacent ground for any fencing or solid visual screening, and not more than eight feet to the top of a decorative feature such as lattice or a trellis. Where a lot adjoins an alley, the fence must sit at least five feet from a lot line along the rear alley and five feet from a lot line along the side alley, and cannot be within ten feet of the intersection of the property lines along the side and rear alleys.

Corner lots get a separate clear zone. Section 1276.01(c) requires a fence to comply with § 1240.11, and § 1276.04 on traffic visibility across corner lots does nothing except point to that same section. Section 1240.11 says no structure shall be erected within twenty-five feet of the point of intersection of the improved road surface in any district on any corner lot, and it also requires a corner lot to meet the district's minimum front yard on each bordering street. A corner lot is a lot on the corner of any two public rights-of-way with vehicular traffic.

Two materials are banned in residential districts. Section 1276.01(d) prohibits any fence, wall or similar structure with wire, metal prongs, spikes or cutting points or edges of any kind, and § 1276.01(e) prohibits fences charged with electricity.

The nonresidential districts follow different numbers. In the CSI and OBCI districts, § 1276.02 keeps the four foot and six foot tiers, but the Board can approve barbed wire or an electric fence. In the LI and GI districts, § 1276.03 allows fences up to eight feet in any yard, requires any barbed portion to start at least seven feet above ground level, and lets the Board approve an electric fence.