Fence Regulations in Montana (2026)
7 rules on the books across Montana, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Height Limits
Maximum fence heights for front, side, and back yards, including privacy fences, corner-lot visibility rules, and how height is measured on slopes and retaining walls.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings caps front-yard fences at 4 feet and side/rear fences at 6 feet, with a planning division permit required…
Read full rule →Yellowstone County
Some RestrictionsIn the zoned 4.5-mile fringe around Billings (governed by the unified Chapter 27 zoning code), fences up to 3 feet are…
Read full rule →Fence Permit Requirements
Whether you need a building permit to install or replace a fence, and what the permit process and fees look like.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Rules about shared boundary fences, including who pays for construction and maintenance, and which side faces the neighbor.
Retaining Walls
Height limits and permit requirements for retaining walls, including engineering requirements for taller walls on sloped lots.
Material Restrictions
Specific materials that are prohibited for fencing, such as barbed wire, razor wire, or electric fencing in residential zones.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings restricts residential and commercial fences to common materials like wood, brick, chain-link, and vinyl, and…
Read full rule →Yellowstone County
Some RestrictionsMost residential zones in the Billings/Yellowstone County jurisdiction allow common fencing but forbid barbed and razor…
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