Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted fence: $75–$300 estimated city fees when a building permit is required (varies by construction valuation; residential fences 6 ft and under are generally exempt from the permit requirement and incur no permit fee)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee (when required) | $75–$300 (estimated, based on construction valuation) | Raleigh Development Services uses a valuation-based fee schedule. For a typical residential fence over 6 feet or masonry wall, expect roughly $75–$300 in permit fees. Verify the current fee schedule at raleighnc.gov/permits before applying. |
| Plan review fee | Included or separately assessed for complex submittals | Residential plan review is typically bundled with the building permit fee for standard fence submittals. Complex structural or masonry submittals may carry a separate plan review charge. |
| Inspection fee | Included | Required inspections are covered under the issued permit. Masonry walls and pool-barrier fences typically require a footing inspection and a final inspection. |
| Floodplain Development Permit (if applicable) | Varies | Properties in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area require a separate floodplain review. Contact Raleigh Development Services for current fees and requirements. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- Most standard residential fences 6 feet or under in height do NOT require a building permit in Raleigh, per North Carolina Building Code Section R105.2 exemptions for fences not over 6 feet high.
- A building permit IS required for any fence or wall exceeding 6 feet in height.
- Masonry and concrete block walls require a building permit regardless of height due to structural footing requirements under the 2018 NCRC.
- Any fence serving as a swimming pool barrier must comply with 2018 North Carolina Residential Code Section R326 pool enclosure requirements — a building permit is required regardless of fence height.
- Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) sets fence height limits by zoning district: front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet in residential districts; rear and side yard fences are generally limited to 6 feet without a permit and up to 8 feet with a permit.
- Fences in a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) may require additional Floodplain Development Permit review through Raleigh Development Services.
- Properties in a Raleigh locally designated historic overlay district (such as Oakwood, Boylan Heights, or Blount Street) may require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission before construction.
- Fence posts and footings may not be placed within drainage, utility, or access easements recorded on the property plat.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter height, material, or design requirements and are enforced separately from city rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Completed residential building permit application submitted through Raleigh's online permit portal at raleighnc.gov/permits.
- Site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, dimensions, setbacks, easements, and the proposed fence location and total length.
- Elevation drawings showing fence height, post spacing, material type, and gate locations.
- Structural details for footings and post embedment depth if the fence exceeds 6 feet in height or uses masonry construction.
- Floodplain Development Permit application if the fence falls within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
- Pool-enclosure layout and gate hardware specifications (self-latching, self-closing) if the fence serves as a swimming pool barrier under 2018 NCRC Section R326.
- Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission if the property is in a locally designated historic overlay district.
- Property survey or recorded plat if the fence is near a shared property line, drainage easement, or utility easement.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files the permit application on the owner's behalf.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Determine whether your fence requires a permit North Carolina Building Code exempts fences 6 feet and under in height from the building permit requirement. A permit IS required for fences over 6 feet, masonry or concrete walls of any height, and any pool barrier fence. Confirm your fence height and material before deciding whether to apply.
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Check Raleigh UDO zoning height limits and overlay requirements Even if your fence does not require a building permit, it must comply with Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) zoning standards. Front-yard fences in most residential districts are limited to 4 feet; rear and side yard fences are generally limited to 6 feet without a permit. Historic overlay districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Use Raleigh's online GIS portal to confirm your zoning district.
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Check for flood zone and easement restrictions Verify if your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or Raleigh Development Services. Review your recorded plat for drainage, utility, and access easements — fence posts cannot be placed within easements.
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Prepare your site plan and drawings Draw a scaled site plan showing property lines, setbacks, the proposed fence line, and all gate locations. Include an elevation showing fence height, material, and post spacing. Masonry walls and fences over 6 feet require structural footing details.
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Submit through Raleigh's online permit portal Log in at raleighnc.gov/permits, select the residential fence or wall permit type, upload all required documents, and pay the application fee. In-person service is available at Raleigh Development Services, One Exchange Plaza, Raleigh, NC 27601.
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Respond to plan review comments Raleigh Development Services reviewers check the submittal against the 2018 NCRC and applicable UDO requirements. Revise and resubmit through the portal if corrections are requested.
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Receive permit and begin construction Once the permit is issued, download and keep a copy accessible at the job site. Do not begin permitted construction before the permit is in hand.
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Schedule required inspections Request inspections through Raleigh's permit portal. Masonry walls and pool-barrier fences typically require a footing inspection before pouring concrete and a final inspection when the fence is complete.
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Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain all documentation — it supports insurance claims, title review, and future resale.
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Tools & materials
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-29.
2018 North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC) Section R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) and Section R326 (Pools and Permanent Spas); Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) fence and screening standards, as administered by Raleigh Development Services.
Residential permit page: https://raleighnc.gov/permits
If you skip the permit
- Raleigh Development Services can issue a stop-work order if fence construction requiring a permit is discovered without one.
- Civil penalties and daily fines can accumulate under North Carolina General Statutes and Raleigh ordinances until the violation is resolved through an after-the-fact permit or removal.
- After-the-fact permits for masonry walls may require opening footing areas so inspectors can verify depth and reinforcement.
- Pool barriers that do not meet NCRC Section R326 requirements create serious safety and liability risks — non-compliant pool enclosures expose homeowners to liability in the event of accidental drowning.
- Homeowners insurance may complicate or deny claims involving structures that required a permit but did not obtain one.
- Fences in setbacks, easements, or flood zones without proper approvals can become deal-breakers during a real estate transaction.
- Historic district violations can result in a mandatory removal order from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission.
- HOA violations for non-compliant fence height, materials, or design can result in fines or court-ordered removal independent of city enforcement.
FAQ
Common Raleigh fence permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Raleigh, NC?
It depends on the height and material. North Carolina Building Code exempts fences 6 feet and under in height from the building permit requirement. A permit IS required for any fence over 6 feet in height, any masonry or concrete block wall of any height, and any fence serving as a swimming pool barrier. Your fence must also comply with Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regardless of whether a permit is required.
What is the maximum fence height allowed in Raleigh without a permit?
North Carolina Building Code exempts fences 6 feet and under from the permit requirement. However, Raleigh's UDO limits front yard fences to 4 feet in most residential districts — exceeding that height requires a zoning variance. Rear and side yard fences are generally allowed up to 6 feet without a building permit. Both the building code permit requirement and the UDO zoning height limit apply.
Do masonry fences always require a permit in Raleigh?
Yes. Masonry and concrete block fences and walls require a building permit from Raleigh Development Services regardless of height, because they involve structural footings that require plan review and footing and final inspections.
Does a pool fence require a permit in Raleigh?
Yes. Any fence serving as a swimming pool barrier must comply with 2018 NCRC Section R326 pool enclosure requirements and requires a building permit. The barrier must completely enclose the pool, be at least 48 inches tall, and have self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers are a life-safety requirement enforced through the building permit and inspection process.
How much does a fence permit cost in Raleigh?
When a permit is required, Raleigh Development Services calculates fees based on the declared construction value. Expect roughly $75–$300 in permit fees for a typical residential fence over 6 feet or masonry wall. Residential fences 6 feet and under are exempt from the permit requirement and incur no city permit fee. Verify the current fee schedule at raleighnc.gov/permits before applying.
How long does it take to get a fence permit in Raleigh?
Plan on 7 to 14 business days for plan review once a complete application is submitted, with total project timing of roughly 2 to 4 weeks including inspections. Historic Development Commission Certificate of Appropriateness reviews can add additional time. Incomplete submissions delay the review clock.
I live in a Raleigh historic overlay district — what extra steps do I need?
Properties in Raleigh's locally designated historic overlay districts (such as Oakwood, Boylan Heights, or Blount Street) require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission before building a fence. The review considers height, materials, design, and conformance with the district's design guidelines. Contact Raleigh Development Services at raleighnc.gov/permits before submitting your building permit application.
Can I build a fence in a drainage or utility easement in Raleigh?
No. Fence posts cannot be placed within drainage, utility, or access easements recorded on your property plat. Review your recorded plat through the Wake County Register of Deeds and consult your property survey to confirm easement boundaries before placing any fence posts.
Does my HOA have authority over my fence even if Raleigh doesn't require a permit?
Yes. HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) often impose stricter requirements on fence height, material, color, and style than Raleigh city rules. Always check your subdivision's CC&Rs and get HOA approval before starting construction, even for fences exempt from the building permit requirement.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Raleigh permitting staff before you build.