Baltimore County requires a building permit for any fence taller than 42 inches. Fences 42 inches and under generally need no permit. Apply through the Office of Permits, Approvals and Inspections (Zoning Review), Towson.
The county's General Residential Fence Detail states plainly that fences higher than 42 inches require a permit from Baltimore County. The fence must sit on the owner's property, not in a street or alley right-of-way, and access or walkway easements may not be fenced. The owner is responsible for the accuracy of all information (a lot survey is strongly recommended). Fences exceeding the 42-inch front-yard or 6-foot side/rear limits require an administrative fence-height waiver under BCZR Sections 427.1 and 427.2, filed with the Zoning Review Office, 111 W. Chesapeake Ave., Room 124, Towson.
Building without a required permit is a violation; the county may issue a stop-work or correction notice and require permitting, relocation, or removal of the noncompliant fence.
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