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New York City — Tier-1 Pillar

NYC Fence Construction — Zoning Height Limits, LPC Review, Rear Yard Rules

NYC fence construction reality. Zoning height limits (4 ft front yard, 6 ft rear yard in most R districts), LPC review on landmarked rowhouses, permit-exempt scope. $3K-$15K typical.

~1 min read·Updated 2026-04-23

Most NYC fences under code-specified heights are permit-exempt — but zoning height limits still apply (4 ft front yard, 6 ft side/rear yard in most residential districts), and LPC review is required for fences visible from the public right-of-way in landmarked rowhouse districts. A fence job in Cobble Hill or Brooklyn Heights that ignores LPC gets a violation, not a pass.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a NYC backyard fence? Residential fences under 6 ft in rear yards are typically permit-exempt. But zoning and LPC still apply.

What is the max fence height in a NYC front yard? 4 ft in most R districts.

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