NYC DOB requires permits for fences over 6 feet tall, retaining walls over 4 feet, masonry fences of any height, and all fences in landmark districts. Chain-link and wood fences under 6 feet in residential yards generally do not require a DOB permit but must still conform to zoning.
NYC Building Code §3301 and DOB rules require work permits (PW1) for any fence over 6 ft, any masonry or concrete wall, any retaining wall over 4 ft, and all fences in landmark districts or zoning overlay areas. Standard residential wood or chain-link fences 6 ft or less are typically exempt from permits but must comply with zoning setbacks. Landmark districts (Riverdale, Longwood, Mott Haven) require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Preservation Commission before any work. DOB Now filing is required for permitted fences. Fees start around $300 for standard residential fence filings.
No permit where required: $1,250-$2,500 plus stop-work order. Work without LPC CofA: $5,000-$15,000. Illegal retaining wall: $2,500+ plus engineering correction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bronx County, NY
Open burning is prohibited in Bronx County under both NYC Fire Code FC 307 and 6 NYCRR Part 215. Burning leaves, brush, trash, or yard waste is illegal year-...
Bronx County, NY
Bronx County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. No WUI maps, Cal Fire-equivalent designations, or Chapter 7A-style construction rules apply in NYC.
Bronx County, NY
Bronx County follows NYC Fire Code (Title 29). Open flames and recreational fires are prohibited on terraces, balconies, roofs, and within 10 feet of combust...
Bronx County, NY
Backyard recreational fires are only allowed at 1-2 family homes with private yards, using approved portable fire pits under 3 feet wide. Apartment buildings...
Bronx County, NY
NYC Administrative Code 27-2045 requires working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit. Since 2019 all replacement alarms must be sealed 10-year battery or har...
Bronx County, NY
The Bronx is a dense urban borough with no wildland-urban interface, so there is no defensible space ordinance. Property owners must still maintain lots free...
See how Bronx County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.