You just want a fence. A simple, sturdy, great-looking fence that adds privacy, security, and curb appeal to your home. You’ve picked out the style, chosen your materials, and maybe even lined up a contractor. But before you put a single post in the ground, there’s a crucial question to ask: Do you need a permit to build it?
Most homeowners don’t think about this until it’s too late—until they’ve spent thousands on a fence that violates zoning laws and has to be taken down. At Heartwood Fence, we’ve seen it happen more times than we can count. That’s why we’re here to make sure you don’t make the same costly mistake.
Every city has regulations on fences, and failing to follow them can mean expensive fines, legal troubles, and frustrated neighbors. If you live in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Roanoke, Newport News, or Portsmouth, here’s what you need to know:
✔️ Height Restrictions – Most cities allow backyard fences up to 6 feet and front yard fences up to 4 feet without a permit. Anything taller? You’ll likely need one.
✔️ Corner Lot Visibility – If your fence blocks visibility at an intersection, it may not be legal—even if it’s on your property.
✔️ Historic Districts & HOAs – Special restrictions may apply in designated neighborhoods, even for minor changes.
✔️ Pool Fences & Safety Laws – If your fence is enclosing a pool, specific height and security requirements must be met.
✔️ Property Line Rules – Building too close to your property line could mean disputes, fines, or even legal action.
You might be tempted to skip the permit process, assuming it’s just red tape. But that decision could cost you thousands. Here’s why:
✔️ Fines and Stop-Work Orders – Cities don’t take unpermitted construction lightly. You could face hefty fines and be forced to halt work immediately.
✔️ Removal and Reconstruction Costs – If your fence violates local regulations, you may be required to tear it down and rebuild it correctly—at your expense.
✔️ Complications When Selling Your Home – Unpermitted structures can create legal headaches when it’s time to sell your property. Buyers (and their mortgage lenders) will want to see everything is up to code.
✔️ Liability Issues – If an accident occurs due to a non-compliant fence, you could be held legally responsible.
Getting a permit doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to do it the right way:
If you’ve already built your fence and just realized you needed a permit, don’t panic. You may be able to apply for a retroactive permit, though modifications might be required. The worst thing you can do? Ignore the issue. Cities can and do issue fines for non-compliant structures—even years after they’ve been built.
At Heartwood Fence, we don’t just build fences—we make sure they’re built right, legally, and stress-free. Our team handles permits, zoning requirements, and everything else so you don’t have to worry about red tape.
Planning to build a fence in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Roanoke, Newport News, or Portsmouth? Don’t gamble with costly mistakes—call Heartwood Fence today at (757) 204-5705 or visit Heartwood Fence to get started.
Let’s build something that lasts—without the legal headaches.
