Salem's Unified Development Code Chapter 800 restricts fence materials in residential zones. Barbed wire, electric wire, broken glass, spikes, and other bodily-harm materials are banned. Commercial and industrial zones may use barbed wire only on the topmost section.
SRC Chapter 800 (UDC General Development Standards) governs fence construction throughout Salem. In residential zones, fences must be made of materials designed for fencing; barbed wire, electric fencing, upturned barbed edges, broken glass, spikes, and other hazardous materials are prohibited. In commercial and industrial zones, barbed wire is limited to the topmost section of any fence. All fences must be installed with the finished side facing adjacent property or public right-of-way. Fences under 7 feet using wood, wire mesh, or chain link in residential zones generally do not require a building permit.
Violations enforced through Salem Code Compliance. Owners may be ordered to remove prohibited materials; civil penalties and abatement costs can result if not corrected.
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See how Salem's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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