Washington DC Party-Line Fence Rules and Height Limits

DC's construction code (Section 3112, as amended by 12A DCMR) governs fences at the property line. A 'party line fence' is one whose footings sit partly on each side of the boundary. A fence located less than 10 feet from a party line is limited to 7 feet high unless the adjoining owners give written consent, and any party-line fence proposed above 7 feet requires an agreement between the owners, executed and filed with the permit application. Applicants must notify adjoining neighbors by certified mail, identified from the District's real property tax records, and submit a plat no older than 6 months. The Department of Buildings reviews and issues the fence permit.

Erecting a party-line or boundary fence without a Department of Buildings permit, the required certified-mail neighbor notification, or the written owner agreement is a code violation subject to stop-work orders and fines.