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Schenectady, NY Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Zoning Code § 264-32(D)
Banned materials
Barbed wire, chicken wire, sheet metal
Also banned
Pallets, plywood, construction fencing
Enforced by
Zoning Officer / Building Inspector
First-offense fine
$350 to $500 per day

Summary

Schenectady's zoning code flatly prohibits barbed wire, chicken wire, pallets, plywood, sheet metal, and construction fencing from being used as any part of a fence anywhere in the city. Only conventional fencing materials pass Section 264-32(D).

§ 264-32. Fences and walls. ... D. Materials and Construction. Barbed wire, chicken wire, pallets, plywood, sheet metal, and construction fencing shall not be used as a fencing material or as any part of a fence.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Section 264-32(D) of the city zoning code states that barbed wire, chicken wire, pallets, plywood, sheet metal, and construction fencing "shall not be used as a fencing material or as any part of a fence." The Zoning Officer and Building Inspector enforce it and can issue appearance tickets. Each day a nonconforming fence stands is a separate offense: a first violation runs $350 to $500, rising to $750 to $1,500 (and up to 15 days in jail) by a third offense within 18 months. A $50 administrative fee attaches to every notice of violation.

Violations & Fines

Each day a banned-material fence remains is a separate offense. First offense $350 to $500; a third within 18 months brings $750 to $1,500 and up to 15 days in jail, plus a $50 administrative fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is barbed wire allowed on a Schenectady fence?
No. Section 264-32(D) bars barbed wire from being used as a fencing material or as any part of a fence anywhere in the City of Schenectady.
Does Schenectady ban electric fences?
The prohibited-materials list in § 264-32(D) names barbed wire, chicken wire, pallets, plywood, sheet metal, and construction fencing. Electric fencing is not on that list.
What does keeping a barbed-wire fence up cost?
Each day is a separate offense: $350 to $500 for a first violation, up to $1,500 and 15 days in jail by a third offense within 18 months, plus a $50 fee.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Schenectady

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsRetaining WallsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsZoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design GuideSome RestrictionsBuilding Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height LimitsSome Restrictions

All Schenectady rules

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