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Baltimore County, MD Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Adjoining front yard
42-inch cap within 10 feet
Prohibited fence
In yard adjoining neighbor's front
200-foot rule
Not applied if homes 200+ ft apart
Pool exception
BCC §13-6-101 pool fences exempt
Relief
Variance may be requested

Summary

A residential fence may not be built in your rear or side yard where it adjoins a neighbor's front yard, and within 10 feet of that front-yard property line the fence may not exceed 42 inches. This does not apply if the homes are over 200 feet apart.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Baltimore County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

1. A residential occupancy fence may not be erected in the rear or side yard of a lot which adjoins the front yard of another on which a residence has been built. 2. The fence may not exceed 42 inches in height if situated within ten feet of the adjoining front yard property line. ... Subsection B of this section does not apply if the residences on the adjoining lots are more than 200 feet apart.

View official code

Full Breakdown

BCZR Section 427 protects a neighbor's front-yard sight lines. It prohibits a residential occupancy fence in the rear or side yard of a lot that adjoins the front yard of a lot on which a residence has been built, and caps any fence within 10 feet of that adjoining front-yard property line at 42 inches. Exceptions: the rule does not apply to a fence required to screen a swimming pool under Baltimore County Code §13-6-101, and does not apply if the residences on the adjoining lots are more than 200 feet apart. Fences must also stay on the owner's own property. Any person may request a variance.

Violations & Fines

Enforced by Permits, Approvals and Inspections through zoning-violation notices; owner must lower or remove the fence, or obtain a variance/waiver from the requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a 6-foot fence next to my neighbor's front yard?
Not within 10 feet of their front-yard property line: there your fence is limited to 42 inches, unless the homes are more than 200 feet apart or a variance is granted.
Does this apply to pool fences?
No. A fence required to screen a swimming pool under Baltimore County Code §13-6-101 is exempt from this restriction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingFew Restrictions

All Baltimore County rules

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