New Rochelle, NY Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 111-9B of the New Rochelle Building Code, one of the exemptions from the general Section 111-8 permit requirement, states that the erection of a fence not exceeding six feet in height shall be permitted without a building permit where such fence is accessory to a dwelling, complies with the applicable provisions of the Code of the City of New Rochelle and the Zoning Ordinance, does not obstruct egress and is not required in conjunction with the enclosure of an outdoor swimming pool. Four conditions have to be met at once: the fence must be six feet or under, accessory to a residence, compliant with both the general City Code and the Zoning Ordinance in Chapter 331, and it cannot obstruct a required means of egress.

A fence that is taller, that serves a commercial or institutional use, or that is required to enclose an outdoor pool needs a building permit under Section 111-10, including a plot plan referencing Section 331-136 of the Zoning Ordinance showing the fence's location relative to lot lines. Because the exemption only waives the building permit, not substantive zoning standards, a fence still has to meet the Zoning Ordinance's own height, setback and material rules for its district even when no permit application is filed.