Washington DC requires fence permits from the Department of Buildings for residential fence construction. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Rear/side fences can be up to 6 feet. Public space fences require a separate DDOT permit.
Washington DC requires a fence permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) for residential fence construction. The application requires information about the fence height, length, and material. In residential zones, front yard fences are limited to 4 feet in height. Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet. Fences within the public space (between the property line and the curb) require a separate Public Space Permit from the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT). Historic district fences may require additional review by the Historic Preservation Office (HPO), particularly for front-facing fences. Permitted materials include wood, vinyl, chain-link, ornamental metal, wrought iron, and composite. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Retaining walls require separate structural permits. The fence permit process involves zoning review to ensure compliance with height and setback requirements. Swimming pool enclosures have separate requirements. Property owners should verify property boundaries before construction. DOB offers online permit applications.
Fence without permit: NOV with compliance deadline. Non-compliant fences: fines $1,000-$4,000 and required modification. Public space violations: DDOT enforcement.
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