Saratoga Springs, NY Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

The City of Saratoga Springs Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Article 9 — On-Site Development Standards, Section 9.5(J) sets the fence and wall rules. Maximum heights in residential and residential mixed-use districts are 4 feet within required front and corner side setbacks and 6 feet elsewhere (UDO § 9.5.J.2.a); in nonresidential districts the max is 8 feet (§ 9.5.J.2.b). Active agricultural lots get a 5-foot allowance in front and corner side setbacks and 8 feet elsewhere (§ 9.5.J.3). Fences must be located entirely within the owner's lot lines (§ 9.5.J.1.c), face the finished side outward (§ 9.5.J.4), and the property owner is responsible for maintaining both sides (§ 9.5.J.5). Prohibited materials per § 9.5.J.1.b include scrap metal, corrugated/sheet metal, spiked posts, razor wire, barbed wire, and chicken wire (unless part of a small-animal enclosure). Sight-clearance triangles at intersections (UDO § 9.1.D) limit obstructions to 30 inches in height. A building permit may be required for fence construction per City Code Chapter 118; the Building Department issues permits and the Code Enforcement Office (518-587-3550) handles complaints.