Fence Regulations in West Virginia (2026)
6 rules on the books across West Virginia, 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.
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.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsUnder WV Code 19-17-5, owners of adjoining agricultural, horticultural, grazing, or livestock lands each pay a just…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Few RestrictionsWest Virginia has no residential shared-cost fence statute, so no one can force a Kanawha County neighbor to split a…
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.