Virginia Beach, VA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fence height
- 8 feet
- Front yard fence height
- 4 feet max
- Barbed/electrified fencing
- banned near residential districts
- Chain link
- allowed with required landscaping
- Fence permit fee
- $50
Summary
Virginia Beach caps fences at eight feet, bans barbed wire and electrified fencing in residential and apartment districts, and allows maintenance-free vinyl or aluminum fencing on the right-of-way line if landscaped and no more than 50% opaque.
Fences constructed of materials generally recognized on an industry-wide basis as maintenance-free, such as vinyl and aluminum, may be located on a right-of-way line...shall be no greater than fifty (50) percent opaque. Barbed wire and electrified fences are prohibited in all residential and apartment districts or within fifteen (15) feet thereof. Chain link fences shall be permitted, provided that Category I landscaping shall be installed between the entire length of any such fence and the public right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The City Zoning Ordinance regulates fence materials under Sec. 201(e). Fences and walls generally may not exceed eight feet, dropping to four feet in a required front yard or within ten feet of a side street right-of-way. Chain link is allowed but requires Category I landscaping between the fence and any public right-of-way. Vinyl and aluminum, treated as maintenance-free materials, may sit directly on the right-of-way line if landscaped and kept 50 percent or less opaque. Barbed wire and electrified fencing are barred in residential and apartment districts, or within fifteen feet of them. A $50 permit covers any fence built within 30 feet of a right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Barbed wire or electrified fencing in a residential or apartment district, chain link installed without the required landscaping strip, or a fence built within 30 feet of a right-of-way without the $50 permit can be cited and ordered corrected by the Planning Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chain link fencing legal in Virginia Beach?
Can a vinyl fence sit right on the property line facing the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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