In residential locations, fences are not required between properties. The maximum height of fences in front, rear, or side yards depends on the zoning regulations for the property. In lower density districts (R1 through R5), fences can be a maximum of 4 feet high. Fences built before April 30, 2008 can be 6 feet high.

Permits are not required to erect fences that are 6 feet or lower in height when installed on properties containing 1- and 2-family houses.

To find out the zoning designation of a residential property, visit the City Planning and Zoning page.

If your neighbor's fence is invading your property, you must settle the issue in civil court. Both parties will need to hire licensed surveyors to complete property surveys. The surveyor stakes out the lot lines and then measures how the fence is related to those lot lines. The surveys must be less than 3 months old when you go to court.

You can report a fence that is:

• Over the height limit
• Missing
• Not secured

All construction sites with an excavation require a solid 8-foot continuous plywood fence around the site. Once excavation is complete and the building is out of the ground, a solid or chain link fence is not required if the site is graded and the building can be locked up.

You can report a fence that is:

• Over the height limit
• Missing
• Not secured