Warwick, RI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, for installation or construction of any fence
- Issued by
- Building official
- No minimum exemption
- Applies regardless of height or material
- Barbed wire/electric fences
- Also need zoning board special use permit
- Penalty for no permit
- Up to $500/day under §1006
Summary
Putting up a fence anywhere in Warwick means pulling a building permit first. Section 603.1 states plainly that 'the installation or construction of any fence shall require a building permit,' so the requirement applies before the first post goes in the ground, regardless of the fence's height or material.
603.1. In residence districts. No fence constructed wholly or in part of barbed wire shall be permitted in residence districts, except upon approval of the zoning board of review. No fence in a residence district may exceed six feet in height unless specifically required by Building or Fire Code. The installation or construction of any fence shall require a building permit.
Full Breakdown
' Unlike cities that exempt short, ordinary fences from permitting, Warwick's ordinance does not carve out a height or material threshold below which a fence can go up without one. The permit obligation sits alongside the section's other two rules, the six-foot height cap and the barbed-wire restriction, meaning the building official reviewing a fence permit application is also confirming the proposed fence meets those standards before signing off. 2 additionally requires a hearing and approval from the zoning board of review. Because Section 603 doesn't limit the permit requirement to new construction, replacing or substantially rebuilding an existing fence, such as tearing out and re-setting posts along a property line, falls under the same building permit rule as installing a brand-new fence.
2's yard-location rules for accessory structures before issuing the permit, so a single application effectively confirms compliance with height, placement, and material rules at once.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence without first obtaining the required permit is a zoning violation under Section 1006, Penalties and enforcement, exposing the owner to a fine of up to $500.00 for each day the unpermitted fence remains standing. The building official can order the fence removed or require a permit application after the fact, and unresolved fines are appealable to district or municipal housing court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace an old fence with the same style?
Is a permit still required for a low decorative fence?
Who reviews my fence permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Warwick
Compare Warwick to another location·View the Rhode Island fence regulations overview
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