Southampton Village, NY Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Section 116-18 of the Village of Southampton Zoning Code governs how a fence meets the neighbor's property. In a residence district, no fence or wall in a required front yard can exceed four feet, and none in a required rear or side yard can exceed six feet. Any such fence must have its face or finished side facing the property line of the adjacent owner or the adjacent street, and the Building Inspector designates which side is the finished or face side. In a nonresidence district, a fence within 10 feet of a lot line in a required front or side yard is capped at six feet, and the same finished-side rule applies.

Height is measured from ground level at the base of the fence, with a retaining wall measured from the average of the ground levels on each side. Section 116-18 does not say who pays for a boundary fence. Hedges between neighbors have their own article. Under § 41-7, the owner of a boundary-line hedge must have it cut and trimmed at least once a year, including the top and the side facing the adjoining owner, with cleanup, provided the adjoining owner gives written permission to enter if entry is reasonably necessary.

If the work is not done by July 31, the adjoining owner can send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, demanding trimming within 30 days, granting entry permission and enclosing a copy of the article (§ 41-8). An adjoining owner who seeks enforcement by the Village must supply a survey certified by a licensed surveyor if needed.