Fences 6 feet and under generally do not require a building permit in Cornelius but still require zoning compliance review. Fences over 6 feet require building permits through Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. Pool barriers always require permits.
Under the NC Residential Code and Cornelius LDC, residential fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit but still must comply with the LDC zoning standards: 4 ft max front yard, 6 ft max side/rear, 3 ft max in sight triangles, and proper location on the owner's side of the property line. A zoning compliance review — free or nominal fee — is performed by Cornelius Planning & Zoning to verify setbacks and sight-triangle compliance. Fences over 6 feet (security fences, sport-court enclosures) require a building permit from Mecklenburg County LUESA Code Enforcement (704-336-3830), typically 60-100 dollars depending on project cost. Pool-barrier fences always require a permit even at 4 feet because they are part of the pool permit package. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require permits. Commercial and multifamily fences require full permit and zoning review. Call 811 NC One-Call before any fence post installation to mark underground utilities.
Installing a fence without required permit: stop-work order and 100 to 500 dollar civil penalty; may require removal if non-compliant. Unpermitted pool barrier: denial of pool final inspection and 500+ dollar penalty. Installing in NCDOT right-of-way: state removal order plus fines.
Cornelius, NC
Aircraft noise is preempted by federal law (FAA) and not regulated by Cornelius. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is approximately 20 miles south and ...
Cornelius, NC
Construction activity in Cornelius is restricted to 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM Monday-Saturday with no Sunday work permitted in residential zones. Emergency rep...
Cornelius, NC
Persistent barking, howling, or animal noise audible beyond the owner's property for more than 15 continuous minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes violate...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius defines abandoned vehicles per NCGS 20-137.7 as vehicles left on public property over 7 days or private property without permission over 24 hours. ...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius prohibits parking on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours per Town Code Chapter 10. No overnight parking is allowed on designated stre...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals including venomous snakes, non-human primates, large cats, bears, and wolves. N.C.G.S. 14-416 et seq. gov...
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