Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Little Rock, AR Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Barbed/razor wire
Prohibited on residential fences
Business exception
Only atop 6-ft+ fences
Electric fences
Industrial-zoned lots only
Electric fence permit
Required, plus warning signs

Summary

Little Rock bans barbed, razor, and concertina wire on residential fences and bans electric fences outside heavily regulated industrial sites.

(1)Barbed and razor wire fences. For purposes of this section the use of barbed, concertina wire or other types of wire specifically designed to inflict injury upon human contact is prohibited except when used at the top of fences at least six (6) feet above grade enclosing business or manufacturing premises. When such wire is used, it shall not extend outside the vertical plane of the enclosed property.(2)Electric fences. No electric fence shall be installed, operated or maintained except as provided in this subsection.a.Electric fences shall be constructed, maintained and operated in conformance with the specifications set forth in International Electrotechnical Commission Standard [No.] 60335-2-76.b.The electric charge produced by the fence upon contact shall not exceed energizer characteristics set forth in paragraph 22.108 and depicted in Figure 102 of International Electrotechnical Commission Standard No. 60335-2-76.c.Electric fences shall be completely surrounded on the side facing the property exterior by a nonelectrified fence or wall that is not less than six (6) feet in height and at least six (6) inches from the electric fence.d.Electric fences may be installed, operated or maintained only on industrial zoned properties with approved areas of outdoor storage or display.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).

Full Breakdown

City code Sec. 36-516(d) prohibits barbed, razor, or concertina wire on fences citywide, with a narrow exception: it's allowed only atop fences at least 6 feet high enclosing business or manufacturing premises, and it can't extend past the property's vertical plane. Electric fences are banned everywhere except industrial-zoned lots with approved outdoor storage or display, and even there they need a permit, a 6-foot non-electrified perimeter fence, IEC 60335-2-76 spec compliance, warning signs every 50 feet, and a police/fire disarm switch at the gate.

Violations & Fines

Fences violating Sec. 36-516 are enforced through the planning and development department; noncompliant security fencing can be ordered removed or modified, and unpermitted electric fences are barred outright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put barbed wire on my backyard fence in Little Rock?
No. Sec. 36-516(d)(1) bans barbed, razor, and concertina wire except atop 6-foot-plus fences around business or manufacturing premises.
Are electric fences legal in Little Rock?
Only on industrial-zoned properties with approved outdoor storage, and only with a city permit, warning signs, and a non-electrified perimeter fence.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Little Rock

All Little Rock rules

Compare Little Rock to another location·View the Arkansas fence regulations overview

Get notified when Material Restrictions in Little Rock, AR changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.