Buncombe County, NC Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Boundary fence
- Allowed on line (≤10 ft)
- Corner lots
- Must not block sight distance
- Applies to
- Fences, walls, signs, plantings
- Cost sharing
- Private civil matter
- Code section
- Buncombe 78-661
Summary
A fence ten feet or less may sit on the shared property line in unincorporated Buncombe County. On corner lots, no fence, wall, planting, sign, or obstruction may be erected so as to interfere with the sight distance at the intersection. Cost sharing between neighbors is a private civil matter.
On corner lots, no planting, structure, sign, fence, wall or other obstruction shall be erected so as to interfere with the sight distance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Because Section 78-581 exempts fences ten feet in height or less from setbacks, a boundary fence may be placed on the line between adjoining owners in the unincorporated county. Section 78-661 protects intersection visibility: 'On corner lots, no planting, structure, sign, fence, wall or other obstruction shall be erected so as to interfere with the sight distance.' The Buncombe County Zoning Ordinance does not allocate the cost or ownership of a shared boundary fence; that dispute is resolved between neighbors under North Carolina civil law, not by the county. Inside Asheville and other municipalities, city fence and good-neighbor standards apply instead.
Violations & Fines
A corner-lot fence that blocks required sight distance is a zoning violation; the county issues a notice of violation and may assess a $100.00 per day civil penalty under Section 78-583.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a fence on the shared property line?
Who pays for a shared boundary fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buncombe County
Compare Buncombe County to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.