Little Rock, AR Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (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.
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?
Are electric fences legal in Little Rock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
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