Irondequoit, NY Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Town of Irondequoit Code § 235-69B sets the rules that decide where a boundary fence goes and how it faces the neighbor. All fencing must be constructed within property boundaries (B(2)), and fencing is prohibited within public rights-of-way and over Town easements within property boundaries (B(3)). The most finished side of a fence must face the adjoining property (B(5)). No back-to-back boundary fences are permitted unless an abutting fence is owned by an adjacent property owner (B(8)), so a second fence cannot be built flush against a neighbor's existing fence you do not own.

Where a side yard of a lot abuts a rear yard of another lot, B(7) permits a six-foot fence provided it does not obstruct sight lines. Subsection D defines the front foundation line, with attached garages counted and stoops, steps, porches and decks excluded, and that line decides where six-foot boundary fencing starts on each side of the house. Corner lots can run side street yard fencing toward the street if a three-foot setback from the line parallel to the street is kept.

Maintenance is a continuing duty under subsection M. Fences, walls and similar construction must be kept in good and substantial condition at all times, and dilapidated, rotted, rusted and broken ones must be repaired, replaced or removed. Fencing that legally existed before the section was adopted in 1964 can continue while kept in substantial repair, and any repair or replacement is allowed only in-kind.

When the fence height or placement a property owner wants conflicts with these rules, the Board of Appeals hears appeals of the Building Inspector's decisions and grants variances under § 235-101.