Queens County, NY Permit Requirements: Fence Permits (2026)

Under NYC DOB rules (1 RCNY §101-14), fences for one- and two-family dwellings that do not exceed 6 feet in height are exempt from building permits. Homeowners may install these fences themselves without hiring a licensed contractor, though hiring a licensed land surveyor to confirm property lines is recommended. If the homeowner hires someone to install the fence, the installer must be a licensed Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registered with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Fences exceeding 6 feet in height require a DOB work permit with plans prepared by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer. For multi-family properties (3+ units), all fence installations require a permit regardless of height. The NYC Zoning Resolution limits fence heights: 4 feet in required front yards in residential districts, 6 feet in side and rear yards. Variances require Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) approval. In Queens, common fence scenarios include: replacement of aging chain-link fences common in older neighborhoods, new privacy fences in denser areas like Flushing and Jamaica, and decorative fencing around restored Victorian homes in Ridgewood and Glendale. Property line disputes over fences are common due to the close proximity of homes and should be resolved before installation. Fences cannot obstruct public sidewalks or encroach on city property.