Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in Charlotte?

The four possible approvals

1. Building permit (fences over 6 feet)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Building Standards requires a building permit for a fence or wall taller than 6 feet. Most backyard privacy fences are 6 feet, so they don’t need one; an 8-foot rear fence does.

2. CDOT Fence and Wall Certificate

The Charlotte Department of Transportation requires a no-cost certificate for fences and walls along or near city-maintained streets and sidewalks. CDOT reviews the plan to keep the fence out of the right-of-way and clear of sight distance problems. See The CDOT Fence and Wall Certificate.

3. Historic District Commission

Charlotte has eight local historic districts: Dilworth, Fourth Ward, Hermitage Court, McCrorey Heights, Oaklawn Park, Plaza Midwood, Wesley Heights and Wilmore. New and replacement fences there generally need a Certificate of Appropriateness. See Fences in Charlotte historic districts.

4. HOA architectural approval

Not a government permit, but often the strictest. Many HOAs limit style, color, height and location. See HOA fence approval.

Rules that apply even without a permit

• Height limits by yard under the UDO. See Charlotte fence height limits.
• Corner sight triangles
• No fences that impede storm drainage easements
• Stream buffer, floodplain and watershed rules near water
• NC 811 locates before digging

Outside city limits

Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville and other towns have their own zoning rules. See Fence rules outside Charlotte.

Rules change, so confirm with the city before you build. We check all of this at every estimate.