If you’re planning to build a fence on your property in the Hampton Roads area, you’ll want to review the permit guides published by the cities. Each city in the Hampton Roads community has its own zoning laws and fencing regulations that impact everything from height restrictions to materials.
Before you start digging post holes, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations in your city to help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
Virginia Beach—What You Need to Know
Permitting
In Virginia Beach, most fence projects will need a permit if you’re building a fence taller than 6 feet or using special materials. Just go online, fill out the permit application, and expect a fee of about $61 for residential permits.
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yard: If your fence is in the front yard, it can’t be taller than 4 feet. The goal here is to maintain the neighborhood’s look and keep sightlines clear.
- Back and Side Yards: You have a little more leeway in these areas of your property. Fences in the back and side yards can reach up to 8 feet.
Materials and Style
VA Beach wants fences to look nice from the street, so the finished side should face outward. While chain-link fences are allowed, the city encourages you to add some greenery to help screen them. If you’re thinking about electric or barbed-wire fences, most residential areas won’t allow them.
Corner Lots
When your home sits on a corner lot, you’ll have to follow a few extra rules. Not only do you need to keep your fence below the height limits, but you also need to make sure it doesn’t obstruct anyone’s view of the street or intersection.
Pool Fences
If you’re adding a fence around a pool, there are extra safety requirements. Your pool fence must be at least 48 inches high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate. These are safety measures to keep everyone safe around water.
Chesapeake—Fence Rules and Important Considerations
Most fences in Chesapeake need a permit, but it’s usually a quick application process. If you’re building a fence taller than 6 feet or using unusual materials, you’ll definitely need to apply for a permit. Permits start around $80, depending on the size and scope of your fence project.
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yard: Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet in height, although corner lots may have a bit more flexibility.
- Back and Side Yards: You can build a fence up to 6 feet tall for your backyard or side yard. This strikes a nice balance between privacy and maintaining the neighborhood’s look.
Materials and Style
In Chesapeake, the rules are similar to Virginia Beach when it comes to aesthetics. Fences should have the finished side facing outward, and chain-link fences are acceptable. However, you might want to think about using some landscaping to help hide them. As with most cities, barbed wire fences are generally off-limits in residential areas.
Corner Lots
Corner lots in Chesapeake may have a few extra requirements. You can still put up a 6-foot fence, but there are visibility guidelines that prevent blocking anyone’s view at intersections. Double-check with the city before you start so you don’t aggravate your neighbors attempting to turn past your house.
Pool Fences
If you’re putting up a fence around your pool, it should be at least 48 inches tall and have a self-closing and self-latching gate for added safety.
Norfolk—Regulations You Shouldn’t Ignore
The good news is that most fence projects in Norfolk won’t require a permit, unless you’re working on a corner lot or planning to build a pool fence. That said, always check with the city to make sure you’re good to go.
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yard: Norfolk has a transparency rule for front yard fences. Fences over 2.5 feet tall need to be at least 50% open. This keeps things safe and sightlines clear while still offering some privacy. The maximum height is 4 feet.
- Back and Side Yards: You can go taller in the back or side yard with a fence up to 6 feet, but the transparency rule still applies for anything over 2.5 feet.
Materials and Style
Like other cities, Norfolk requires that the finished side face out. If your fence is taller than 2.5 feet, it needs to be open enough to allow visibility. Chain-link fences are allowed, but they also need to be properly screened.
Corner Lots
Corner lots in Norfolk are a bit more complicated. You can build a 6-foot fence, but it has to meet visibility and transparency rules, especially in side yards.
Pool Fences
Pool fences follow the usual safety guidelines. They must be at least 48 inches high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate to ensure safety for everyone around the pool.
Suffolk—Fencing Rules for Suburban and Rural Properties
If you’re building a fence taller than 6 feet or using non-traditional materials, contact the city to find out if you need a permit. It’s always better to check ahead of time to avoid delays.
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yard: Suffolk’s front yard fences must be 2.5 feet or shorter for solid fences and up to 4 feet for open designs.
- Back and Side Yards: Your fence can be up to 6 feet tall in these areas.
Materials and Style
Similar to other cities, Suffolk requires that the finished side face outward. Materials like wood, vinyl, and chain-link can be used, but barbed wire and electric fences are typically not allowed in residential areas.
Corner Lots
If you’re building on a corner lot, be aware of extra height and visibility rules. You might have to reduce the height or adjust the design to ensure your fence doesn’t obstruct views at street intersections.
Pool Fences
As with most of Hampton Roads, pool fences in Suffolk must be at least 48 inches high and have self-closing child-safety latches.
Portsmouth—Straightforward Fencing Rules
Most fences in Portsmouth need a permit, especially if they’re located in historic districts or if you’re building a pool fence. Always double-check with the city to make sure you’re on track.
Fence Height Limits
- Front Yard: Front yard fences in Portsmouth can’t exceed 4 feet tall. There may be a little flexibility depending on your neighborhood, but check first.
- Back and Side Yards: You can go up to 6 feet in the back and side yards.
Materials and Style
Like most places, Portsmouth requires the finished side of your fence to face outward. Barbed wire and electric fences aren’t allowed in residential areas, but wood, vinyl, and chain-link fences are all fair game.
Corner Lots
Corner lot fences in Portsmouth will need to comply with specific visibility rules, just like in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. It’s always good to check in with the city before you start to ensure your fence meets all requirements.
Pool Fences
You’ll need a standard pool fence that’s at least 48 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate for safety.
HOA Rules You Can’t Ignore
Even if your city allows a particular type of fence, your homeowners’ association (HOA) might have stricter rules. HOAs often regulate fence height, materials, and even colors.
- Always check HOA bylaws before building to ensure compliance.
- HOAs may require pre-approval before installation.
- In some cases, HOA rules override city zoning laws, meaning you could face fines or be forced to remove a non-compliant fence.
Ignoring HOA guidelines can be costly, so always verify regulations before finalizing your fencing plans.
Easements—Know Where You Can Build
Easements are designated areas on a property for public utilities, drainage, or shared access. Many homeowners don’t realize that building a fence over an easement can lead to legal complications.
- Utility easements. Fences may be allowed, but homeowners might have to remove them if utility companies need access.
- Drainage easements. Fences are often prohibited if they obstruct water flow.
- Shared access easements. Require approval from all affected property owners.
Before installing a fence, check your property deed for easements. If you mistakenly build over an easement, you may be required to remove the fence at your own expense.
Final Thoughts on Local Zoning Laws and Fencing Regulations
No matter where you live in Hampton Roads, understanding your city’s fence zoning regulations is key to getting your project done right. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rules or need a little guidance, reach out to us to help navigate your city’s zoning office.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy:
- Research city-specific zoning laws
- Check permit requirements
- Verify HOA rules
- Confirm property lines
- Consider any easements or corner lot regulations
When you’re ready to start your fence project, we’re here to help. Whether you’re in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, or Portsmouth, Chesapeake Fence offers top-notch service and expert advice to ensure your fence meets all local guidelines.
Contact us today, and let’s get your dream fence installed the right way, without the hassle.
