Fairfax County, VA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Within Table 4102.4 height
- No permit needed
- Front-yard height increase
- Special permit/exception required
- Max even with approval
- 6 feet
- Approving bodies
- Board of Supervisors or BZA
Summary
A regular Fairfax County fence within Table 4102.4's height limit needs no permit, but exceeding that height in a front yard requires Board or BZA special-permit approval.
In any front yard, the Board may approve, in conjunction with a proffered rezoning, PRC plan,
or another special exception, or the BZA may approve a special permit, to allow a fence or wall height greater than the maximum height allowed by Table 4102.4: Maximum Allowed Fence or Wall Height, if the following requirements are met:
a. The fence or wall height may not exceed six feet;
https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/fairfaxcounty-va/doc-viewer.aspx#secid--1 237/545 8/18/26, 9:54 PM Document Viewer | Zoning Ordinance
b. The fence or wall must meet the sight distance requirements contained in subsection
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Ordinance does not require a standalone permit for a fence built within Table 4102.4's height limits. To go higher in a front yard, the Board may approve it with a proffered rezoning, PRC plan, or special exception, or the BZA may approve a special permit, but even with approval the fence or wall may not exceed six feet and must meet sight-distance requirements.
Violations & Fines
Building an over-height front-yard fence without Board or BZA approval is a zoning infraction: $200 civil penalty for the first violation, $500 for later violations from the same facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a normal-height fence in Fairfax County?
What if I want a taller fence in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia fence regulations overview
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