Yellowstone County, MT Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- EBURD permitted
- brick, stone, wood, vinyl, steel
- EBURD prohibited
- barbed/razor wire, chain link, block
- Industrial sanctuary
- barbed/razor wire allowed
- Sharp fencing height
- 8 feet above grade
- Rural unzoned land
- no material rule
Summary
Most residential zones in the Billings/Yellowstone County jurisdiction allow common fencing but forbid barbed and razor wire in front and near dwellings. In special overlay districts (EBURD), barbed wire, chain link, exposed block, metal mesh and razor wire are prohibited except in industrial-sanctuary areas.
Permitted materials. Brick; stone; cast stone; wood; painted, matte finish vinyl; wood composites; or steel are permitted fence and wall materials. Prohibited materials. Barbed wire, chain link, exposed cinder or concrete block, metal mesh, and razor wire and single wire fences and wall are prohibited.
Full Breakdown
The unified Chapter 27 code limits fence materials mainly through district and overlay standards. In the East Billings Urban Renewal (EBURD) districts, permitted fence and wall materials are brick, stone, cast stone, wood, painted matte-finish vinyl, wood composites or steel; barbed wire, chain link, exposed cinder or concrete block, metal mesh, razor wire and single-wire fences are prohibited: except that in the industrial sanctuary districts chain link, razor wire and barbed wire are allowed with sharp fencing located 8 feet above grade. Standard residential districts do not ban chain link or wood but restrict height and clear vision. Rural unzoned county land has no material restriction.
Violations & Fines
Using a prohibited material in a district that bans it is a zoning violation subject to correction or removal by City-County Planning; requirements vary by district and overlay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barbed wire allowed?
What materials can I use in the EBURD district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yellowstone County
Compare Yellowstone County to another location·View the Montana fence regulations overview
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