Horry County, SC Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt fence types
- Split rail, chain link, picket
- Opacity threshold
- Under 50% for exemption
- Privacy fences
- 10-ft front setback applies
- Code section
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 412.B.4
- Permit over 7 ft
- Building permit required
Summary
Horry County allows a wide range of fence materials. The Zoning Ordinance singles out split rail, uncluttered chain link and picket fences under 50 percent opacity for a front-yard setback exemption, while solid privacy fences trigger the ten-foot front setback.
Non-privacy type fences such as split rail, uncluttered chain link and picket fences with less than fifty (50) percent opacity placed in front and/or corner side yards are exempt from setback requirements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).
Full Breakdown
The Horry County Zoning Ordinance does not prescribe an approved-materials list; it distinguishes fence types by how much they obstruct views. Section 412.B.4.c names split rail, uncluttered chain link and picket fences (each under fifty percent opacity) as non-privacy fences that are exempt from the ten-foot front and corner-side setback. Solid wood, vinyl, masonry and other opaque privacy fences are 'privacy type' fences and must meet that setback in front and corner side yards (Section 412.B.4.a). Whatever the material, the eight-foot residential height cap (Section 412.A), the sight-triangle rule and the emergency-access requirement (Section 412.B.5) apply, and a building permit is required over seven feet. Cities within the county may adopt narrower material standards.
Violations & Fines
Using a solid privacy material in a front or corner side yard without the ten-foot setback, or exceeding height limits, is a zoning violation. Code Enforcement may order the fence relocated, lowered or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fence types get a break on setbacks?
Do solid wood or vinyl privacy fences have special rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Horry County
Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina fence regulations overview
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