There is no required setback from a fence to a property line. Check with your neighbor to make sure you agree where the line is or get a lot line survey before starting construction.

Johnston County does not have a set back requirement for fences. We recommend, however, that you make sure that the fence is completely within your side of the property line.

For a standard-size lot (minimum of 60’ wide), you can build as close as 25’ to your front property line and as close as 8’ to your rear property line. In general, for lots which are not on a corner, you can build as close as 8’ to your side property line as long as you allow at least 12’ of space on the opposite side of the structure (for a total of 20’ of side yard setback).

With the proper building permit, you may install a fence adjacent to or on the rear and side property lines. The fence may not exceed six feet on the rear and side property lines or while it maintains the front yard envelope, or flush with the front of the house. The fence may not exceed four feet on the front and street side (corner side) property lines in residential districts if it is located on the front or street side (corner side) property lines.

No, the fence can be built up to but not on the property line. A privacy or barred fence must be held 2’ off the property line for maintenance. There must be a 4’ gate within 10’ of the house.

It depends upon the depth of the well, if you have leased your property, and if the well is going to be a vertical or directional well. A vertical well cannot be drilled closer than 100 feet from any property not in the drilling unit but may need to be up to 500 feet depending upon the depth of the well. A directional well can conceivably be drilled right next to a property line.

A building permit is not required for fences up to 72 inches and freestanding masonry walls up to 48 inches in height above the height of the adjacent grade. All fences over 72 inches and walls over 48 inches require permits. In all cases, you must check with the Planning Division on Zoning regulations applicable to all fences. For more information see Wood & Masonry Fences, Form 4604.

Generally speaking you can build your garage / carport 150mm from the fence line, providing the average height of the building (including gable peak) is no more than 3m high. Alternatively, the average height can be up to 3.6m if you build 1000mm (1m) from the fence. Unfortunately there is no in between, it is either 150mm or 1000mm. Some other restrictions may apply depending on your property and local council requirements.

The minimum distance required to the property line depends upon the zone in which the property is located. Please consult the zoning map and Land Development Ordinance. You may also call the Land Use Coordinator at 609-890-3683.

How close you can build your house to the property line depends on the Zoning District (refer to the Zoning Bylaw) and Residential Sideyard Requirements. Also, for garages and sheds, you can refer to the Detached Accessory Buildings handout for more information.

Setback requirements vary depending upon the zoning classification of a property. In order to get specific setback information, call the Planning Services Department at (319) 273-8606. Be prepared to give an address or parcel identification number in order for staff to look up the zoning classification.

You are permitted to build a fence no higher than 4 feet around the side and back of your home only. Fences are prohibited in front yards. NOTE: the board is currently considering an adjustment of this restriction to allow fences up to 6 feet in height. If you are planning to install a fence, please check with the board for the latest restriction information. The seller is obligated by law to inform any potential buyer of the existence of the LDHOA.

We recommend that you set your fence in approximately 6 inches from your property line, so that all of the cement is on your property. The exception here would be if both neighbors are paying for the fence together, then if agreed upon by both parties the fence line may be put on the property line.

Distances from property lines (setbacks) are set out in the Land Use Bylaw. The following are required: Staff will help you determine where the front lot line is if you are on a corner lot or a panhandle lot. If you are building a barn or are near a watercourse, the setbacks are greater. Staff will help you determine where the building envelope is in these situations.

The Zoning Ordinance allows you to build a fence on your property line or any other place on your property. This does not assume that the sidewalk or curb is where your property line starts. To accurately determine where your property line is, the land needs to be surveyed. The maximum height of a fence is 3-feet within the front yard setback. Beyond that point, towards the rear of your property, the height of the fence can be up to 6-feet in height.

City Code specifically prohibits any obstruction in a drainage easement. Obstructions include man-made barriers such as fences, sheds, firewood and debris, and natural barriers such as trees and brush. If the City determines that a barrier is in fact an obstruction, a violation notice will be issued with instructions to remove the barrier. Drainage easements are platted to provide a path for stormwater runoff, either on the ground or in a buried system.

Well Construction Standards [WAC 173-160] do not specifically state property line restrictions, but states that wells must be located a minimum of one-hundred (100) feet from sources of know or potential contamination sources. Prior to constructing a well near a property line, consider the protection of the 100-foot radius sanitary zone. If the property line is adjacent to a state, county or private road, there are also road and utility easements that must be maintained.

Once you have decided to install a fence, you should be prepared to discuss the following points with your fence professional. The purpose of the fence, the exact location of the fence, what type of design features you want (height, style, material) approximate budget, desired completion date. BACK TO TOP