Greensboro requires no permit for residential fences 7 feet or shorter. Taller fences, historic district fences, and retaining walls over 4 feet need permits.
Under the Greensboro Land Development Ordinance and locally adopted residential building code, a building permit is not required for standard residential fences that are 7 feet in height or lower. Fences exceeding 7 feet may require a building permit depending on height, location, and zoning district. Properties within historic overlay districts must comply with applicable design guidelines, which may require review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Any fence or wall proposed within a public or private street right-of-way requires a written encroachment application to the City Manager or designee. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a building permit and engineered construction plans. Permit fees for retaining walls typically range from $150 to $600 based on estimated project value, and approval takes approximately two weeks. Fences in required landscaping or planting yards are subject to review as part of the landscaping plan approval process. Contact the Engineering and Inspections Department at 336-373-2155 for permit questions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. The LDO sign standards ex...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. The LDO sign standards exempt seasonal ...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Greensboro LDO sign standar...
Greensboro, NC
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Greensboro require permits for gas lines, electrical, plumbing, and any roofed structure under NC General Statute 160D-1110. Bui...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance auth...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro enforces the 2018 North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, which adopts IFC Section 308. NCFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and open-flame cookin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in this county.
See how other cities in this county handle permit requirements.
See how Greensboro's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.