Cary, NC Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- electric, barbed, and razor wire fences
- Farm exception
- bona fide livestock farms only
- Institutional exception
- public safety/security facilities
- Scope
- town-wide, all zoning districts
Summary
The Town of Cary prohibits electrically charged fences and barbed or razor wire fencing town-wide, with narrow exceptions for bona fide farm livestock enclosures and public-safety facilities.
(H) Fences Prohibited. Fences that are electrically charged and those constructed of barbed or razor wire shall be prohibited. This prohibition shall not apply to fences used to enclose livestock on bona fide farms and those serving a public or quasi-public institution for public safety or security purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Cary's Land Development Ordinance flatly prohibits two fence types: electrically charged fences, and fences built of barbed or razor wire. LDO §7.2.7(H) applies across all zoning districts within town limits, covering yards, driveways, and property lines alike. The ordinance carves out two narrow exceptions, fences enclosing livestock on a bona fide farm, and fences serving a public or quasi-public institution for public safety or security purposes, but ordinary residential and commercial fencing in Cary, Wake County, must use another material.
Violations & Fines
Installing an electrically charged fence or one built of barbed or razor wire outside the farm-livestock or public-safety exceptions is a Land Development Ordinance violation subject to removal and citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up an electric fence around my Cary yard?
Does the ban cover rural properties too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle material restrictions.