Fence Regulations in Rhode Island (2026)
12 rules on the books across Rhode Island, 3 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.
Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsPawtucket caps residential fence height at 3 feet in yards facing the street if the fence is closed, or 4 feet if it is…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence caps residential fences at 6 feet, defaults non-described partition fences to 4.5 feet, and bans barbed wire…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsFences in Warwick's residence districts cannot top six feet unless the building or fire code requires more. Near a…
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.
Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsBefore erecting a fence in Pawtucket, the property owner needs a zoning permit. Section 410-94 bars erecting, moving or…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence's zoning ordinance treats fences as accessory structures, meaning a fence needs a building permit from the…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsPutting up a fence anywhere in Warwick means pulling a building permit first. Section 603.1 states plainly that 'the…
Read full rule →Neighbor Fence Rules
Rules about shared boundary fences, including who pays for construction and maintenance, and which side faces the neighbor.
Rhode Island: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsRhode Island General Laws section 34-10-20 declares any fence over six feet that is maliciously erected to annoy a…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsNeighbors who share a partition fence in Providence must maintain it together, and if one owner neglects it, the city's…
Read full rule →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.
Warwick
Significant RestrictionsBarbed wire fencing is off-limits in Warwick's residence districts unless the zoning board of review grants approval…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsPawtucket fences must be manufactured metal, wood, masonry or another inert material, or a hedge kept within the height…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence's fence-viewer ordinance limits partition fences on shared lot lines to four listed types: agreed hedge…
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