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.
New York, NY
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New York, NY
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New York, NY
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See how New York's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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