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Fayetteville, NC Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Zoning permit
Required; no building permit
Finished side
Faces lot perimeter
Banned
Barbed wire, junk, plywood, sheet metal
Front yard
No chain link or wire fences
Screening trigger
Over 4 ft within 15 ft of ROW

Summary

Fayetteville's Unified Development Ordinance lists the fence materials it accepts, bans junk and barbed-wire fencing, requires the finished side to face outward, and limits what may go in a front yard. Fences need a zoning permit but no building permit.

Fences and walls shall be constructed of any combination of treated wood posts and planks, rot-resistant wood (such as cypress or redwood), wrought iron, decorative metal materials, chain link, brick, stone, masonry materials, or products designed to resemble these materials.

Source: Fayetteville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development OrdinanceView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 30-5.D.9 allows treated or rot-resistant wood, wrought iron, decorative metal, chain link, brick, stone, masonry, and look-alike products. Segments along a single lot side must share one style and compatible colors. Where a fence has a framed side and a smooth side, the smooth side faces the lot perimeter, though the city manager may waive that. Section 30-5.D.8 bars barbed wire, concertina wire, aboveground electric fences, and fences built from debris, junk, rolled plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or waste. Front yards for one- to four-family homes take only open metal, 50-percent-open picket or shadow box, or paneled solid fences; chain link and wire are out. Fences over four feet within 15 feet of a right-of-way need landscape screening.

Violations & Fines

UDO enforcement through Development Services; non-conforming fences must be brought into compliance, and work without a zoning permit is a code violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a chain link fence in my front yard?
No. For one- to four-family dwellings, chain link and other wire fences, with or without slats or screens, are not allowed in the front yard.
Which way does the good side face?
Outward. If one side shows support framing, the more finished side must face the lot perimeter, not the interior.
Is barbed wire ever allowed?
Only under the Section 30-5.D.5 exemptions or an approved Security Plan. Bona fide farms in the present-use program may use it inside a perimeter fence.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fayetteville

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsOutdoor Lighting: Dark Sky RulesSome Restrictions

All Fayetteville rules

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