Virginia Beach, VA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence height regulations appear in the Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance Section 201 and related Agricultural and Residential district standards. In all R-series residential districts the following maximum heights apply measured from grade to top of fence: front yard (any fence forward of the dwelling's front building line) is 4 feet; side yards and rear yards are 6 feet. On corner lots, the secondary street frontage is treated as a front yard from the building setback back to the street, restricting that side of the yard to 4 feet as well. Fences of any height may not obstruct the 25-foot clear sight triangle at intersections or the 10-foot visibility triangle at driveway entrances. Fences over 6 feet tall are treated as structures and require a building permit, engineered drawings showing wind-load resistance (the coastal high-wind zone requires design for at least 120 mph exposure C per Virginia USBC), and a zoning variance if proposed in a residential district. Swimming pool barrier fences must be at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per USBC Appendix G. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric livestock fencing are prohibited in all residential zoning districts; they are allowed only in AG-1 and AG-2 agricultural districts and some industrial districts. Properties within the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Resource Protection Area (RPA) - a 100-foot buffer along tidal shorelines and intermittent streams - may not clear vegetation or install fences that disturb the buffer without a water quality impact assessment. Oceanfront lots inside the primary dune ordinance boundary require a dune permit from the Wetlands Board before any fence crosses the dune line.