Newport News, VA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 13-143
- Barbed wire
- Banned on residential dwelling fences
- Razor wire exception
- Storage/pools, 6 ft+ only
- Electrified fence
- Livestock/permitted wild animals only
- Penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor
Summary
Newport News bans barbed wire on residential dwelling fences and prohibits electrified fencing citywide except for permitted livestock or wild-animal enclosures with safeguards.
(a)Fences may be constructed of any material permitted by the building code; provided, that barbed wire shall not be permitted in any fence located on the same premises as any dwelling located in any residential zoning district.(b)Barbed or razor wire strands may be used to enclose permitted storage areas, other similar commercial uses or swimming pools where the strands are restricted to the uppermost portion of the fence and do not extend lower than a height of six (6) feet from the nearest ground level.(c)No electrified fence shall be permitted except as stated herein:(1)An electrified fence shall be permitted for the enclosure of livestock as may be permitted in agricultural district zoning regulations.(2)An electrified fence shall be permitted for the enclosure of wild animals kept as permitted by section 6-8 of the City Code; provided, that such fence shall be installed in such a manner so as to protect the public from accidental contact; and further provided, that signs shall be posted to warn the public of the danger. (Ord. No. 5365-99)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 13-143 allows fences of any building-code-permitted material but bars barbed wire on any fence located on the same premises as a dwelling in a residential zoning district. Barbed or razor wire strands are allowed only around permitted storage areas, similar commercial uses, or swimming pools, confined to the top of the fence and no lower than six feet above ground. Electrified fencing is prohibited citywide except to enclose livestock permitted in agricultural districts or wild animals permitted under § 6-8, and only when installed to protect against accidental contact with warning signs posted.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a fence in violation of Article VI, including § 13-143, is a Class 4 misdemeanor under § 13-140.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my backyard fence in Newport News?
Are electric fences ever allowed in the city?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.