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Fences and walls in Fairfax County, VA

Fences and walls are limited to 4 ft in a front yard and 7 ft in side and rear yards. Up to 7 ft anywhere on lots of 2 acres or more in R-A, R-C, R-E and R-1. No building permit is needed for a fence unless it is a pool barrier.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Fairfax County before you build.

The details

  • Height: 4 ft front, 7 ft side and rear. Posts and caps may add up to 9 in if spaced at least 6 ft apart on average.High confidence
  • A solid wood, masonry or composite fence up to 8 ft is allowed on some corner and reverse-frontage lots along a major thoroughfare.High confidence
  • Barbed wire is banned except on lots of 5 acres or more in R-A, R-C, R-E and R-1. Electric fences are banned on subdivision lots of 2 acres or less.High confidence
  • A front fence up to 6 ft needs a special permit from the BZA. The Zoning Administrator can approve a 5% overage on an existing fence.High confidence

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Common questions

How tall can a fence or wall be in Fairfax County?
Fences and walls are limited to 4 ft in a front yard and 7 ft in side and rear yards. Up to 7 ft anywhere on lots of 2 acres or more in R-A, R-C, R-E and R-1. No building permit is needed for a fence unless it is a pool barrier.

Sources

  1. Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance § 4102.7.A(6)-(7), freestanding accessory structures and fences. Checked 2026-10-20
    On a lot that is 36,000 square feet or less, accessory structures may not be located in the front yard... If the structure does not exceed eight and one-half feet in height, it may be located in any part of a side yard or rear yard... between eight and one-…

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.