Tonawanda, NY Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 215-25.6.B sets residential fence height at three feet in a front yard, with 'open fencing' defined as no more than 50% opaque, four feet in a side yard, and six feet in a rear yard. Subsection C gives nonresidential districts more room: three feet for closed fencing or four feet for open fencing in a front yard, eight feet in a side or rear yard, and up to 10 feet in a side or rear yard within an industrial district. Where a residential lot abuts a nonresidential use or district, § 215-25.6.E(1) lets the taller nonresidential height apply to both properties, and the Planning Board can approve taller screening fences around dumpsters, outdoor storage or utility equipment during site plan review when the standard height will not screen the use.

Separately, § 215-25.1 protects sight lines at intersections and driveways: no fence, hedge, shrub, tree or structure over three feet may obstruct the view within the first 15 feet from where a driveway or street right-of-way boundary meets another, measured from the driveway's ground elevation at the street line, and the same clearance applies where lot lines meet street lines within 15 feet of a driveway. Trees with branches at least 12 feet above street grade are not treated as obstructions. The Code Enforcement Officer issues written notice ordering correction of any vision-clearance violation.