Maryland Heights Adopts New Fence Regulations
A recent increase in frequently asked questions from our residents, as well as increased code enforcement issues and neighbor complaints, has prompted the City Council to adopt amendments to the Zoning Code to update the rules and regulations for fences.
These amendments, adopted on May 19, 2022, regulate fences in a more specific manner than the city's historically more hands-off policy regarding fence regulation. New residential fences must satisfy the following criteria:
These amendments, adopted on May 19, 2022, regulate fences in a more specific manner than the city's historically more hands-off policy regarding fence regulation. New residential fences must satisfy the following criteria:
- Fences must be constructed of wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel chain link. Masonry or stone materials are also permitted. Fences constructed of other materials may be allowed, subject to the review and approval of the Planning Commission.
- Privacy slats, fabric, hardware cloth, or similar materials are not allowed on residential fences.
- Wire or plastic mesh fencing, such as chicken wire, is allowed within the interior of the property for gardening or animal deterrent purposes without a fence permit. However, such fencing is prohibited along the perimeter of the property.
- The finished side of fences must face outward. All visible supports and other structural components must face in toward the subject property.
- All fences must be constructed in a workmanlike manner in accordance with accepted construction practices and methods. Wood and vinyl fences must be installed with proper posts and supports. Use of a chain link fence to support wood or vinyl fences (or vice versa) is prohibited.
- Fences are limited to six feet in height with an overall installed height of up to 78 inches above the finished grade, measured on the subject property’s side of the fence.
- Fences may not extend beyond the front façade of the home into the front yard.