PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a fence in New York City, NY?

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

For one- and two-family homes, no DOB permit for fences 6 ft or less; homeowners may install their own. Zoning limits front-yard fences to 4 ft.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see NYC DOB. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/property-or-business-owner/plumbing-permits.page

Where to apply

NYC Department of Buildings (DOB NOW)

Permitting authority: NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Covers all five boroughs. Landmarked properties need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval even when DOB needs no permit. Many projects must be filed by a licensed professional or licensed trade.

Official sources

“for one- and two-family dwellings, the Department does not require permits for fences 6 feet or less in height and homeowners may install their own fencing.”

Source: https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/property-or-business-owner/fences-backyard-sheds.page

“Fences 6 feet (1829 mm) or less in height, as measured from the higher of the two adjoining grades, in connection with one- and two-family dwellings.”

Source: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_101-14.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in New York City

Fence permits in other cities