Newark, OH Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Two parts of the Newark code restrict fence materials, and they do not say the same thing. Section 1276.01, the zoning rule for CD, AD and R-Districts, is the stricter one. Under subsection (d), fences, walls and similar structures having wire, metal prongs, spikes or cutting points or edges of any kind whatsoever are prohibited, and under subsection (e) fences charged with electricity are prohibited. The same section limits fences in any yard to four feet above the adjacent ground, and in a side or rear yard to six feet for fencing or solid visual screening and eight feet to the top of a decorative feature such as lattice or a trellis.

The Building and Housing Code adds Chapter 1424. Section 1424.01 says no person shall erect or maintain a fence that uses barbed wire, unless the wire is placed on the top of a fence other than a barbed wire fence and the lowest strand is not lower than seven feet from ground level. It also bars a chain link fence erected so that what is designed to be the bottom is used as the top, and any fence charged with electricity unless the written consent of the closest adjoining occupant is first obtained. On a residential lot, where both texts apply, § 1276.01 allows neither barbed wire nor electric charge.

Commercial and industrial districts differ. In CSI and OBCI Districts, § 1276.02 lets the Board approve a barbed wire fence or an electric fence, installed per the approval. In LI and GI Districts, § 1276.03 requires any portion of a fence with wire, metal prongs, spikes or cutting points or edges to be a minimum of seven feet above ground level, and an electric fence needs Board approval subject to the limitations in that approval.