North Carolina does not have a statutory requirement for neighbors to share fence costs. Cary follows common law principles — the builder pays unless both parties agree to share costs.
Unlike some states, North Carolina does not have a statutory fence-sharing law. In Cary, the property owner who builds a fence on or near the property line pays for it unless the neighbor agrees in writing to share costs. Fences should be built on the builder's property or exactly on the surveyed property line. If a fence is on the property line, both parties have maintenance responsibilities. Boundary disputes should be resolved through property surveys. The town does not mediate private fence disputes but enforces code compliance. North Carolina follows the common law rule that spite fences (built solely to annoy a neighbor) may be actionable.
Private fence disputes are civil matters. The town only enforces code compliance for height, location, and prohibited materials.
Cary, NC
Cary regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. N.C.G.S. §14-288.4 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Cary, NC
Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Division 2 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger citizens. The ordinance restri...
Cary, NC
Cary regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance (Chapter 22). Construction activity near residential areas should be confined to reason...
Cary, NC
Cary's noise ordinance covers barking dogs under the general prohibition on disturbing noises. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors may result in...
Cary, NC
Cary's Land Development Ordinance restricts parking of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles typically must be stored in rear or side...
Cary, NC
Cary restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, and heavy equipment may not be stored in resident...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how other cities in Wake County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Cary's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.