Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
Durham enforces specific material restrictions under UDO Section 9.9. Razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire are prohibited in all residential zoning districts and adjacent to residential uses, except in the Rural Tier where barbed wire is traditional for agricultural fencing. An exception also allows barbed wire with utility installations. In the CI (Commercial-Industrial) district, uncoated chain link is prohibited. Design Districts impose the strictest rules: uncoated chain link is entirely prohibited, and coated chain link may only be used at recreational facilities. Fences in Design Districts must incorporate materials, elements, or details consistent with the on-site architecture, or feature a decorative metal picket style with a black finish. Wall construction must use stucco over concrete block, exposed aggregate concrete, brick, stone, or architectural block. Plain unfinished concrete block is prohibited for all wall construction.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Durham's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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