Lincoln, NE Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire
- Banned unless 5+ ft up, setback 1 ft
- Electric fences
- Banned without alarm permit
- Electric fence standard
- IEC 60335-2-76 required
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Permit authority
- Chief of Police (alarm permit)
Summary
Lincoln outlaws barbed wire fencing on property within city limits, with a narrow exception for wire set high above a tall fence, and separately bans electrically charged fences except for permitted security alarm systems.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or maintain any fence or barrier consisting of what is called "barbed wire," or of which barbed wire is a part, around or on such person's property or premises within the city limits; provided, however, that where any fence or any part thereof is not nearer than one foot to any public way and is more than five feet in height, barbed wire may be used in that portion of the fence which is more than five feet above the surface of the ground...
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 9.24.200 makes it unlawful to place or maintain any fence containing barbed wire anywhere in the city, unless the barbed-wire portion sits more than five feet above ground on a fence set back at least one foot from any public way. Separately, § 9.24.110 bans any fence charged with electricity outright, with a narrow carve-out for electrified security fencing that has a Chief of Police-issued commercial alarm user permit and meets IEC 60335-2-76 electrical standards. Absent that permit, an electrified fence is unlawful regardless of location or purpose.
Violations & Fines
Violating either section is a misdemeanor under the code's general penalty, § 1.24.010: up to $500 in fines and up to six months in county jail, with each day the fence remains a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on top of my fence in Lincoln?
Is an electric fence ever legal in Lincoln?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska fence regulations overview
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