Wilmington, DE Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Solid fence max
- 6 feet in residence/waterfront/commercial
- Open fence max
- 8 feet in residence districts
- Barbed/razor wire
- Banned in residential, commercial districts
- Setback rule
- 25%+ solid fences follow setback line
- Spite fences
- Prohibited if built to annoy neighbors
Summary
Wilmington caps solid residential fences at six feet and open fences at eight feet, with barbed and razor wire banned in residential and commercial districts since 1988.
A solid fence, which in the interpretation of this section shall be deemed to include any fence or wall which is more than 80 percent solid, may be erected in any residence, waterfront or commercial district; provided, that it shall be not more than six feet high unless a greater height is required under subsection (b) of this section, or unless a greater height is required in the waterfront districts pursuant to the provisions of article VIII, division 2 of this chapter. Any such fence erected shall be subject to the building setback line provisions as set forth in sections 48-154 and 48-213. An open fence, which in the interpretation of this section shall be deemed to include any fence or wall which is less than 80 percent solid, may be erected in any residence district; provided, that it shall be not more than eight feet high unless a greater height is required under section (b) of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 48-475, a solid fence, more than 80 percent solid, may not exceed six feet in residence, waterfront, or commercial districts, while an open fence under 80 percent solid may rise to eight feet in residence districts. Fences over 25 percent solid must also meet building setback line requirements. Barbed wire and razor wire fencing has been banned outright in residential and commercial districts since January 8, 1988, though it remains allowed in manufacturing districts. The code also bars 'spite fences' built primarily to annoy or damage a neighboring property, as judged by the building inspector.
Violations & Fines
Building inspector enforcement; fences exceeding height limits or built with prohibited barbed/razor wire must be removed or brought into compliance, and spite fences are unlawful regardless of height.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my privacy fence be in Wilmington?
Can I install barbed wire on my fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
How Wilmington compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Wilmington to another location·View the Delaware fence regulations overview
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