Elyria, OH Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Who issues
- Elyria Building Inspector
- When required
- Before erecting, constructing, altering, installing or repairing any fence
- Fee authority
- Section 109.13 of the Administrative Code
- Fee timing
- Paid before the permit is issued
- Fence 6 feet or less, 100 feet or less long
- $35.00 on the fee schedule
- Fence 6 feet or less, over 100 feet long
- $45.00 on the fee schedule
Summary
In the City of Elyria, Ohio, a permit from the Building Inspector is required before erecting, constructing, altering, installing or repairing any fence, and the fee must be paid before the permit is issued. The fee comes from Section 109.13 of the Administrative Code. The rule is Elyria Codified Ordinances § 1137.15(E).
E. Permits; Fees. A permit shall be obtained from the Building Inspector before erecting, constructing, altering, installing or repairing any fence. Before such permit is issued, the applicant shall pay the appropriate fee as provided in Section 109.13 of the Administrative Code.
Full Breakdown
Elyria requires a fence permit for new work and for work on an existing fence. Section 1137.15(E) says a permit shall be obtained from the Building Inspector before erecting, constructing, altering, installing or repairing any fence, so a rebuild or a repair needs the permit the same as a fresh installation. The applicant has to pay the appropriate fee before the permit is issued, and the fee is set by Section 109.13 of the Administrative Code, the Building Department fee schedule.
That schedule has a "Fences" group with separate lines by height and length. A fence 6 feet or less in height and 100 feet or less in length is listed at $35.00, a fence 6 feet or less in height and more than 100 feet in length is listed at $45.00, and a fence over 6 feet in height has its own higher line with a per-linear-foot charge. Confirm the current figures with the Building Department before filing, because the schedule is amended by ordinance.
The permit reaches more than wooden yard fences. Division (A) defines "a fence, wall or a hedge" as a structure or continuous barrier erected around or by the side of any open space to prevent passage or for protection, built of masonry, metal, wood or any other material securely fastened to the ground, and it treats a hedge planted to form a continuous barrier to prevent passage or for protection as a fence for the purpose of the chapter.
The Building Inspector reviews the work against the rest of § 1137.15: four (4) feet in the required front yard, six (6) feet in side and rear yards, eight (8) feet for commercial and industrial fences, and advance Building Inspector approval for a commercial or industrial fence above eight (8) feet. Under § 1127.02(G) the Building Inspector can revoke a permit based on a false statement, misrepresentation or inaccurate information in the application, or where a provision of the Zoning Code has been violated.
Violations & Fines
Putting up, rebuilding or repairing a fence without the permit is a Zoning Code violation under § 1127.99: a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, with a fine of not more than $250.00, up to thirty days in jail, or both, for each offense. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. A second conviction within one year is a third-degree misdemeanor, up to $500.00 or sixty days. The Mayor or City Law Director can also seek an injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Elyria?
Is a permit needed to repair or replace an Elyria fence?
How much does an Elyria fence permit cost?
Does a hedge count as a fence in Elyria?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elyria
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