Newport News regulates fence materials under Chapter 13, Article VI of the City Code. Certain hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited in residential zones, and permits are required for fences in front yards and along street right-of-ways.
Chapter 13, Article VI (§§13-141–13-149) governs fences city-wide. Sections 13-148–13-149 address restricted and prohibited materials. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrically charged fences are prohibited in residential districts. Front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet; rear and side-yard fences to 6 feet. A $40 building permit is required for any fence in a front yard, corner or interior side yard adjacent to a street right-of-way, or within a flood hazard district. Chain-link, wood, vinyl, and aluminum are standard permitted materials. Enforcement is by the Department of Codes Compliance.
Violations of Chapter 13 fence provisions may result in a notice of violation and fines under the city's general penalty clause; repeat violations can escalate to civil summons.
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