Cumberland County, NC Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County ZO 1102 C
- Front / side-rear solid cap
- 3 ft / 7 ft
- Corner-lot secondary street
- 20 ft off right-of-way
- Near-street structure
- Fence no closer than house
- Corner visibility
- 20-ft clearance (Sec. 1102 D)
Summary
Section 1102 C of the Cumberland County Zoning Ordinance sets core fence standards: three-foot front and seven-foot side/rear solid-fence limits, a special corner-lot rule keeping tall fences 20 feet off the secondary right-of-way, and a corner-visibility clearance at intersections.
When a corner lot follows two front yard setbacks, as determined by the Coordinator, a solid fence or wall greater than three feet in height, but not exceeding seven feet in height, may not be erected within 20 feet of the right-of-way on the street deemed the secondary front yard by the Coordinator.
Full Breakdown
Cumberland County Zoning Ordinance Section 1102 C governs the placement and height of fences and walls on unincorporated land under NCGS 160D. Beyond the three-foot front and seven-foot side/rear solid-fence caps, a corner-lot rule provides that 'When a corner lot follows two front yard setbacks... a solid fence or wall greater than three feet in height, but not exceeding seven feet in height, may not be erected within 20 feet of the right-of-way on the street deemed the secondary front yard.' Where a principal structure sits closer than 25 feet to a right-of-way, a fence may be no closer to the road than that structure. Section 1102 D adds a corner-visibility clearance. A county zoning permit is required.
Violations & Fines
Fences violating height, corner-lot, or visibility standards are zoning violations; a $500 civil penalty accrues $500 per day until corrective action is taken (Section 1704).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cumberland County's fence ordinance cover?
Where must a tall fence sit on a corner lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cumberland County
How Cumberland County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Cumberland County to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview
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