Irondequoit, NY Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Town of Irondequoit Code § 235-69B(1) requires a building permit for all fences, except for snow and deer fencing as defined in the section. The permit comes from the Building Inspector, who enforces the zoning chapter under § 235-95, and § 235-96 sends applications through Chapter 98, Building Construction and Fire Prevention.

The exempt categories have conditions. Snow fences that provide a wind block for drifting snow are permitted between November 1 and April 15, must keep a three-foot setback from the front property line, cannot exceed four feet in height, and cannot cause drifting snow on adjacent property or public sidewalks and streets. Deer protective fencing is open fencing designed to repel deer from vegetation. It needs no permit, but it cannot be perimeter fencing, and deer fencing that is not wrapped around the vegetation it protects is a violation of the Code.

Some fences need more than a permit. Barbed wire and electrified fences require Zoning Board of Appeals approval before the permit issues. Retaining walls over 18 inches in height need a building permit under subsection L, while walls and retaining walls under 18 inches are exempt from the fence section. On nonresidential property, the Planning Board reviews fencing proposals only as part of a broader site plan application, and repair or replacement of existing, conforming fencing is permitted without additional approvals if the work complies with all applicable regulations. That administrative exception can be granted by the Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, or their designee.

A fence built without a permit also has to meet the location and height rules of § 235-69, since the permit review checks those standards.