Marion County, OR Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Material mandate
- None for style/color
- Wood/vinyl/chain link/masonry
- Allowed
- Barbed/electric wire
- Farm stock fences only
- Hazardous materials
- Prohibited
- Citation
- MCC 17.117.100
Summary
Marion County allows any ordinary fencing material, wood, vinyl, chain link, masonry, so long as it is not hazardous. Barbed and electric wire are permitted only as stock or wildlife fences on farmland (MCC 17.117.100).
Fences and walls shall not be constructed of or contain any material which will do bodily harm, such as barbed wire, electric wires, (other than stock or wildlife fences), broken glass, spikes, and any other hazardous or dangerous material.
Full Breakdown
There is no county mandate requiring a particular fence material, color, or style on rural residential lots. MCC 17.117.100 sets the only material limit: fences and walls must not use materials that will do bodily harm, such as barbed wire, electric wires, broken glass, or spikes. The critical farm exception permits barbed-wire and electric stock or wildlife fences on agricultural property, which is common across Marion County's EFU and farm-timber land. Inside Salem and other cities, additional design standards under the local development code may apply, especially for corner lots, arterial frontages, and sight-clearance triangles. Always keep any fence clear of vision-obstruction zones near driveways and intersections.
Violations & Fines
Using bodily-harm materials outside the stock/wildlife-fence exception is a violation; the county can require removal or replacement with compliant materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Marion County require a specific fence material or color?
Can I run an electric fence for my livestock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview
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