Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Cary

Cary, NC Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Permit trigger
fence adjacent to thoroughfare/collector ROW
Screening trigger
>42 in tall, within 30 ft of ROW
Shrub spacing
1 evergreen shrub per 5 ft frontage
Citation
LDO § 7.2.7(C)(3)

Summary

The Town of Cary requires a fence permit only for fences built adjacent to a thoroughfare or collector street right-of-way, under the Land Development Ordinance's fence and wall screening rules.

Fences and walls taller than forty-two (42) inches and located within thirty (30) feet of a thoroughfare or collector street right(s)-of-way shall meet the following landscape requirements: ... (3) A fence permit shall be obtained for fences adjacent to thoroughfare or collector street right(s)-of-way.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).

Full Breakdown

Cary's Land Development Ordinance singles out one trigger for a fence permit: a fence adjacent to a thoroughfare or collector street right-of-way. Fences and walls taller than 42 inches within 30 feet of that right-of-way must also meet shrub-screening standards, one evergreen shrub per 5 feet of frontage, at least 24 inches tall at planting. The permit and screening duties run together under LDO §7.2.7(C); routine interior residential fencing away from a thoroughfare or collector street isn't covered by this section. This applies inside Cary's Wake County corporate limits.

Violations & Fines

Building an unpermitted fence adjacent to a thoroughfare or collector right-of-way, or skipping the required shrub screening, is a Land Development Ordinance violation the Planning Department can cite and order corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every fence in Cary need a permit?
No. LDO §7.2.7(C)(3) requires a permit only for fences adjacent to a thoroughfare or collector street right-of-way; interior residential fences aren't covered by this rule.
What triggers the landscape screening tied to this permit?
Fences or walls over 42 inches tall within 30 feet of a thoroughfare or collector right-of-way must meet shrub-screening standards under LDO §7.2.7(C).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cary

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight Restrictions

All Cary rules

Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview

Get notified when Fence Permit Requirements in Cary, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Wake County handle fence permit requirements.

Raleigh, NC
Some Restrictions