DC fence heights are regulated under 12-A DCMR 3112. Residential zones allow fences up to 7 feet abutting a street. Commercial and mixed-use zones permit up to 10 feet. Historic districts limit front fences to 3 feet 6 inches between the front facade and front lot line.
Under 12-A DCMR 3112 (Building Code), fence height limits vary by zone and location. In residential and waterfront districts, fences may be up to 7 feet high when abutting a street. Commercial and mixed-use zones allow up to 10 feet. Historic districts have the strictest requirements — fences between the front building facade and the front lot line are limited to 3 feet 6 inches. Party line fences exceeding 7 feet in residential zones (or 10 feet in commercial) require written agreement between both property owners, filed with the code official. Fences in public space (right-of-way) require a separate DDOT permit under 24 DCMR 103, costing $50 to $135 plus inspection fees.
Fences exceeding height limits are subject to removal orders and civil fines. Unauthorized fences in public space face additional DDOT penalties.
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See how Washington's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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