Beaufort County, SC Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CDC § 5.4.80
- Barbed/concertina wire
- prohibited all zones
- Aboveground electrified fences
- prohibited unless agricultural
- Underground pet fences
- allowed, not treated as electrified
- Chain link residential
- rear yards only, T1/T2 exempt
- Junk/waste materials
- prohibited unless recycled product
Summary
Beaufort County bans barbed wire, concertina wire, and aboveground electrified fences in every zone, with narrow exceptions for agricultural activity or a Director-approved security plan, and limits chain link fencing in residential areas to rear yards only.
A. Restricted Fences. 1. Chain Link fences in Residential Areas. Chain link fences in residential areas may be permitted in rear yards only. Single-family lots in all T1 and T2 districts shall be exempt from this restriction. B. Prohibited Fences. 1. Barbed Wire, Concertina Wire, and Aboveground Electrified Fences. In all zones, fences using barbed or concertina wire and aboveground electrified fences shall be prohibited unless used in association with agricultural activities or allowed through an approved security plan, see Section 5.4.40.C.5 (Security Plan Fences and Walls). Underground electric fences designed for control of domestic animals are allowed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55 Update 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 16).
Full Breakdown
80 (Restricted and Prohibited Fences) is the county's core fence-materials rule. 1 restricts chain link fences in residential areas to rear yards only, though single-family lots in every T1 and T2 district are exempt from that restriction and may use chain link more broadly. 2 must be screened from view from public rights-of-way. 5, which requires the Director to find the land faces significantly greater theft or damage risk before approving taller or wire-topped fencing. Underground electric fences built to contain domestic animals are allowed outright and are not treated as prohibited electrified fencing.
2 separately bans fences or walls made of debris, junk, rolled plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or other waste materials in all zones, unless those materials have been recycled and reprocessed into products marketed as new building materials, such as picket fencing made from recycled plastic and fiber. I, which otherwise limits fences to treated wood, rot-resistant wood, wrought iron, decorative metal, chain link, brick, stone, or masonry.
Violations & Fines
Installing a barbed wire, concertina wire, or aboveground electrified fence without an approved security plan, or building a fence from prohibited junk or waste materials, is an Article 9 violation. Code Enforcement issues a written notice under Section 9.4.40 describing the prohibited material and a removal deadline; noncompliance can bring a Uniform Summons Ticket in Beaufort County court. Section 9.5.10 makes each violation a misdemeanor carrying up to $500 or 30 days imprisonment, with every day the prohibited fence remains counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence around my Beaufort County property?
Are underground electric dog fences allowed?
Can I install a chain link fence in my front yard?
Can I build a fence out of scrap sheet metal or plywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaufort County
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