Vanderburgh County regulates fences through Chapter 15.20 of the County Code and through the Evansville-Vanderburgh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO, Title 20). In residential zones, fences are generally limited to 3 feet in required front yards on corner lots, 4 feet in other required front yards, and 6 feet along side or rear lot lines. Electric fences for restraining farm animals are allowed under Chapter 15.20 with conditions. Sight-distance triangles at intersections override these maximums. Permits and zoning questions: Evansville-Vanderburgh Area Plan Commission, 812-435-5226.
Fence regulation in Vanderburgh County is split between the County Code (Chapter 15.20 - Fences) and the joint Evansville-Vanderburgh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which governs zoning and development standards in both the City of Evansville and unincorporated Vanderburgh County under a consolidated Area Plan Commission. The general residential height standards drawn from the UDO and Chapter 17.12 (general standards) limit fences and walls in required yard setbacks to: 3 feet maximum in required front yards on corner lots; 4 feet maximum in other required front yards; and 6 feet maximum along side and rear lot lines of residential property. Heights are measured from natural grade to the top of the fence. Chapter 15.20 specifically authorizes electric fences for restraining farm animals on agriculturally zoned property, subject to construction, signage, and energizer-rating requirements. Fences in or near sight-distance triangles at street intersections, alley intersections, and driveway approaches are limited to lower heights to preserve traffic visibility - typically nothing taller than 30 inches within the triangle. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are generally prohibited in residential zones but allowed in industrial, agricultural, and certain commercial zones. Fence permits in the City of Evansville are issued by the Building Commission; in unincorporated Vanderburgh County, the Area Plan Commission and Building Commissioner review zoning compliance and issue permits. Fences must be maintained in structurally sound condition, with the finished side facing adjoining properties. Indiana has no state fence-height statute for residential property; IC 32-26 covers partition fences (shared-cost rural fence statute) but does not preempt local height limits.
Building a fence that exceeds the height limit, blocks a sight-distance triangle, or uses prohibited materials (barbed wire in residential, etc.) without proper permits can result in a notice of violation from the Evansville-Vanderburgh Building Commission or Area Plan Commission, a stop-work order, and a requirement to obtain an after-the-fact permit or remove the fence. Continued violations are enforced through Chapter 1.14 (Enforcement of Ordinances) of the Vanderburgh County Code with civil penalties.
See how Vanderburgh County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.