Most residential fences under 6 feet that meet zoning do not require a DOB permit, but work in historic districts or on landmarked properties requires Landmarks Preservation Commission approval first.
The NYC Department of Buildings treats most simple fencing as minor work that does not require a construction permit when the fence complies with zoning height limits and is built without structural masonry. However, Manhattan contains a large share of the citys designated historic districts and individual landmarks, including most of the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Harlem. Any exterior fence work on a landmarked property or within a historic district requires a Certificate of No Effect, Permit for Minor Work, or full Certificate of Appropriateness from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) before DOB will approve the job. Masonry walls, fences exceeding 6 feet, retaining walls, and work within the public sidewalk right of way require DOB permits and often DOT revocable consents. Work without required approvals can trigger stop-work orders and fines starting at 500 dollars.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New York County, NY
Manhattan enforces NYC Admin Code 24-235, which prohibits a dog from barking more than 10 minutes continuously during the day or 5 minutes at night in any re...
New York County, NY
Manhattan enforces NYC Administrative Code Title 24 Chapter 2, limiting interior residential noise to 45 dBA between 10 PM and 7 AM, with NYPD and DEP respon...
New York County, NY
Outdoor music events in Manhattan require an NYPD Sound Device Permit and a Mayor Office Street Activity Permit, and must comply with NYC Admin Code 24-244 t...
New York County, NY
NYC Admin Code Title 24 Chapter 2 sets tiered dBA limits in Manhattan: 45 dBA interior night residential, 50 dBA day, 7 to 10 dBA above ambient commercial, w...
New York County, NY
There is no defensible space or brush clearance ordinance in New York County because the borough is fully built out urban area. Property owners must keep lot...
New York County, NY
Backyard fires, burn barrels, and open recreational fires are not permitted in New York County. Only approved portable outdoor cooking appliances such as pro...
See how New York County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.