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Spartanburg County, SC Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

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

Key Facts

Prohibited (buffers)
Chain link with strips
Plain chain link
Only with evergreen hedge
Hedge deadline
Obscure within 4 years
Applies to
Required bufferyard screens
Citation
ULMO §2.02-2(8)

Summary

For required screening fences, the county ULMO expressly prohibits chain-link fences woven with wood, plastic, or metal strips. Plain chain link is allowed only if it is hidden by an evergreen hedge that fully obscures it within four years. Ordinary residential fences face no material ban.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Spartanburg County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Chain link fences with evergreen hedge on the outbound side may be substituted for wooden fence of the same height, as approved by Planning Department staff... All plants must be sized and spaced to obscure the chain link fence within four (4) years of planting. Chain link fences with wood, plastic, or metal strips are expressly prohibited.

Full Breakdown

The ULMO's bufferyard standards (§2.02-2, Fence and Wall Specifications) govern required screening. They state that 'Chain link fences with wood, plastic, or metal strips are expressly prohibited,' and that plain chain link may substitute for a wooden screen fence only with an approved evergreen hedge on the outbound side sized to obscure the fence within four years. These material rules apply to required buffers between conflicting uses; a standard residential privacy fence not serving as a required buffer is not restricted by material.

Violations & Fines

A non-conforming screening fence fails buffer requirements; a certificate of occupancy can be withheld until it is corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chain-link privacy slats banned?
For required screening fences, yes: the ULMO expressly prohibits chain link woven with wood, plastic, or metal strips. Ordinary residential fences not serving as a required buffer are not restricted.
Can I use chain link as a buffer fence?
Only if an approved evergreen hedge on the outbound side is sized and spaced to fully obscure the chain link within four years of planting.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spartanburg County

All Spartanburg County rules

Compare Spartanburg County to another location·View the South Carolina fence regulations overview

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