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Tulsa, OK Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Setback fence height
Up to 8 feet
Street setback height
Up to 4 feet
Permit required
Zoning clearance permit, § 70.080
Barbed/razor wire
AG, IL, IM, IH districts only
Max penalty
$1,200 fine, up to 6 months jail

Summary

Tulsa caps fences at 8 feet within side and rear setbacks and 4 feet in street setbacks, with a zoning clearance permit required before construction begins.

Fences and walls within required building setbacks may not exceed eight (8) feet in height, except that in required street setbacks fences and walls may not exceed four (4) feet in height. However, in R-zoned districts, fences up to eight (8) feet in height are permitted in side street setbacks of detached houses or duplexes located on corner lots and in street setbacks abutting the rear lot line of houses or duplexes located on double frontage lots.

Full Breakdown

Tulsa Zoning Code § 45.080 limits fences and walls in required setbacks to eight feet, dropping to four feet in street setbacks, though corner-lot and double-frontage houses can keep eight-foot fencing in their side-street or rear-facing street setbacks. Because the code's own definition of 'structure' includes fences, § 70.080 requires a zoning clearance permit from the development administrator before construction begins. Barbed wire and razor wire are barred outside AG and industrial districts, and electric fence chargers are restricted below ten acres.

Violations & Fines

Building without the required zoning clearance permit, or exceeding the height limits, is a misdemeanor under § 85.040 punishable by up to a $1,200 fine, six months in jail, or both, and the city can issue a stop-work order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Tulsa?
Yes. Because fences are 'structures' under the zoning code, § 70.080 requires a zoning clearance permit from the development administrator before you build, move, or alter one.
How tall can my backyard fence be in Tulsa?
Up to 8 feet in side and rear setbacks. In required street setbacks the limit drops to 4 feet, per Tulsa Zoning Code § 45.080.
Are barbed-wire fences allowed in Tulsa?
Only in AG, IL, IM, and IH districts as of right. Elsewhere they need board of adjustment approval under § 45.080C.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tulsa

All Tulsa rules

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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities

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