New Britain, CT Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 230-100.30, Restrictions on Fences, targets the look of fencing along the street, not just its height. In all residential zoning districts and in the B-1R district, galvanized silver chain-link fencing is prohibited in the required front yard, and on corner or through lots it is also barred along any property line adjoining a public street, closing off the side-yard workaround a corner property might otherwise use. Where fencing is allowed in those locations, the ordinance names the acceptable substitutes: dark green or black vinyl-clad chain link, wrought iron or simulated wrought iron, and wooden or vinyl picket fencing, or other fencing consistent in appearance with a residential neighborhood setting.

A 2024 amendment (Item #36629-3) added an opacity cap on top of the material rule: fences in the required front yard, or in the required side yard of a corner lot along the street, cannot exceed 50 percent opacity, so even an approved material must still let sightlines through. Historic districts outside the CBD carry a tighter rule adopted the same year: galvanized silver chain-link is barred entirely, and dark green or black vinyl-clad chain link cannot run in the required front yard or parallel to the street except along a rear property line.

Properties inside the CBD, whether historic or not, face the strictest version under a 2025 amendment (Item #36882-3): galvanized silver chain-link fencing is prohibited outright, and vinyl-clad chain link is barred within 10 feet of any street-facing property line. Corner properties in residential and B-1R districts also face a 4-foot height cap in the required side yard abutting the street, layering a height limit onto the material restriction there.