Stratford, CT Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Finished side
- Faces the adjacent property or the street
- Lot lines next to RS or RM
- Fenced to six feet above finished grade
- First 25 feet from front line
- Four feet maximum
- Fence type
- Solid wood or vinyl, 100% privacy
- Upkeep
- Properly maintained at all times
- Coastal and wetland views
- Commission modifies the requirement
Summary
In the Town of Stratford, Connecticut, every fence must be built with its finished side facing the adjacent property or the street. Lot lines next to an RS or RM District must be fenced to six feet, four feet in the first 25 feet from the front property line, with a solid privacy fence maintained at all times.
6.1.5. Fences. ... 3) All fences shall be erected with the finished side, (i.e., the side opposite from the horizontal supports to which it is applied) facing the adjacent property or the street. ... 5) All rear and side lot lines adjacent to an RS or RM District shall be fenced to a height of six feet above finished grade, except for the first 25 feet from the front property line the height shall not exceed four feet. ... This fence requirement shall be modified by the Commission if it is determined that the fence will negatively impact or obscure existing views of coastal waters or inland wetlands or tidal wetlands in conflict with the Coastal Management Act (C.G.S. § 22a-90 et seq.).
Full Breakdown
Two paragraphs of Section 6.1.5 in the Stratford Zoning Regulations, adopted by the Zoning Commission and effective 1-1-2025, decide what a neighbor sees and what a property owner has to maintain.
Finished side: Section 6.1.5(3) requires all fences to be erected with the finished side, meaning the side opposite from the horizontal supports to which it is applied, facing the adjacent property or the street. The rails and posts face the builder's own yard, so the neighbor gets the clean face.
Boundary fencing next to residential districts: Section 6.1.5(5) provides that all rear and side lot lines adjacent to an RS or RM District shall be fenced to a height of six feet above finished grade, except that for the first 25 feet from the front property line the height shall not exceed four feet. The fence shall be a solid wood or vinyl fence providing 100% privacy, shall comply with Section 6.1, and shall be properly maintained at all times. The maintenance sentence applies to the fence for as long as it stands.
The Commission modifies the requirement if it determines the fence will negatively impact or obscure existing views of coastal waters or inland wetlands or tidal wetlands in conflict with the Coastal Management Act.
The regulations print no rule on sharing the cost of a boundary fence or on who owns it; Section 6.1.5 regulates the fence's finished face, height, material and upkeep. Before installation a zoning permit is required under Section 6.1.5(4), with a fee in an amount prescribed by the Zoning Commission, and the fence must not create a traffic or safety hazard in the MA, MB, MC and Airport Development Districts.
Violations & Fines
The Planning and Zoning Administrator enforces the Regulations under Section 7.4, inspects the premises and orders a violation remedied in writing, so a neighbor who reports a reversed or neglected fence is asking that office to act. The owner is fined for each day the violation continues, to the full extent allowed under state law, with Superior Court jurisdiction. Failing to comply within 10 days after service of an order brings a civil penalty in the full amount prescribed by state statute, payable to the Town of Stratford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of a fence faces my neighbor in Stratford, CT?
Must I fence a lot line next to a residential district?
Who has to maintain the boundary fence?
Can the fence requirement be changed for water views?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stratford
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