Fence Permits

If an easement is located on your property, a fence permit will be required. If there is an easement on your property, please submit a fence permit through our Electronic Plan Review portal. 

A fence is not permitted in a Town of Wake Forest public easement per UDO Section 6.10.2.E. Fences may be permitted in a private drainage easement with HOA approval. 

For City of Raleigh easements, please review the applicable city code provisions. To complete a City of Raleigh encroachment request, please complete this form. 

Yes, non-residential uses require a fence permit please submit a fence permit through our Electronic Plan Review portal.

Any property that has been designated as local historic landmark or is located within the local historic district must receive approval in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission to erect a fence in the front, side, or rear yard. Please see the Wake Forest Historic District Design Guidelines at https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/historic-preservation.aspx or contact the Senior Planner (Historic Preservation) at 435-9516.

Yes, fences installed and replaced by the HOA require a fence permit please submit a fence permit through our Electronic Plan Review portal.

Reference Wake County iMaps

Refer to this press release on Utility Easements, which also applies to drainage easements.

For a detailed explanation of easements, please see this NC SOS web page.

If you're still not sure, contact the Planning Department at 919-435-9510.

$100. Apply online using Electronic Plan Review.

Typically, no. However, check with your Homeowner's Association (HOA) or restrictive covenants to see if they require approval from your neighbors.

Yes, always check with your HOA and refer to any restrictive covenants you have.

6 feet. Your HOA may have different requirements for fence height, please check with them as well.

Fences located in the front yard or fronting a public street, park or open space shall be constructed of masonry, stone, architectural block, stucco on masonry, wood or other similar material of solid appearance.  Fences shall not obstruct the line of sight for vehicles.

Reference Section 8.5.4 E (Fences, Walls, & Berms) in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

A fence may be installed up to, but not on your property line. It is always a good idea to leave some room for maintenance of your fence.

Yes. Properties with the Wake Forest ETJ have to follow the regulations in the Unified Development Ordinance Section 4.3.4.E.

Yes, but is not allowed to encroach neighboring properties. Reference Section 4.3.4 E (fences & garden walls) in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

No. For further questions, contact the Planning Department at 919-435-9510.

If you are unsure whether your property is located in a floodplain or floodway, contact the Planning Department at 919-435-9510.