2026 Guide to Fence Laws in Maryland
Unlock the secrets of Maryland's fence regulations and ensure your property's boundaries comply with local laws about fence heights and placements!
If you're thinking about building a fence in Maryland, step one is researching your local fence construction regulations. In most cities across the United States, fence construction is regulated at the state, county, or city level. In Maryland, fence laws exist at the local level meaning different counties might have different fencing laws or requirements. Most regulations along with the permit application process can be found on the city's Department of Housing and Community Development website.
In Baltimore, like most cities in Maryland, a permit is required to construct a new fence. Baltimore City is bordered by Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, and these counties encompass some of the Baltimore City metropolitan area. So if your property happens to be located in those counties, be sure to check out your county websites to see if they have different fence regulations and then complete your fence permit applications there.
In general, Maryland fence laws don't include ordinances regulating what materials you can and cannot use for your fence. Wood fences, chain link, and vinyl are commonly used and usually not restricted. However, certain materials are regulated or prohibited. In Baltimore City, razor wire is prohibited on residential fences. Barbed wire is only permitted on fences exceeding six feet nine inches in height, and even then may have restrictions. Electric security fences are limited to C-3, C-4, and Industrial zones and cannot be installed on parcels that abut residential properties.
Baltimore City code also requires that fences have no sharp points, jagged edges, or dangerous projections. Fences under three feet six inches tall cannot have sharp pickets.
As always, you should check in with your homeowners association, or HOA, to make sure there aren't prohibited fence materials in your neighborhood.
If you are working with a reputable fencing company, they will help you better understand any rules that apply to your fence installation project and whether or not you need to apply for a building permit.
Fence height regulations vary by jurisdiction in Maryland. Here's what you need to know for the Baltimore area.
In Baltimore City, front yard fences are limited to 42 inches (3.5 feet) in height. Side and rear yard fences for residential dwellings may be up to six feet tall. Commercial and industrial properties may build fences up to eight feet, and special purpose fences for dangerous areas or athletic fields may exceed eight feet with Building Official authorization. Keep in mind that even if you get approval from the city, if you live in an HOA they might not allow front yard fences. That's because the HOA makes its own rules for properties in the development that owners agree to when buying a home there.
Baltimore County has the same basic height limits as the city: 42 inches in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards. However, the county offers an exception that allows fences up to ten feet in side or rear yards if you set the fence back from the property line two feet horizontally for every one foot of height above six feet. If you need a fence taller than what's normally permitted, Baltimore County has a formal waiver application process.
Howard County follows similar height guidelines. There are specific rules for fences in front yards when the property is a corner lot. In that case, homeowners must ensure any fence complies with the clear vision area—the triangle formed by straight lines joining points 25 feet back from the point where the roads intersect. These regulations keep drivers safe by ensuring visibility at intersections.
Anne Arundel County, to the south of Baltimore, defines a fence as a residential accessory structure and as such requires a permit. You can look on the county website for how to complete the application process which can take place online, in person, or by mail.
Maryland employs common fence laws on the state level, holding both property owners responsible for shared fences situated along their boundaries. However, a homeowner cannot force their neighbor to agree to contribute to building a fence, even if it is constructed on the property line. But if both neighbors agree to the fence, then both are equally responsible for maintenance and repair. In Baltimore City, a fence may be built only on the property of the owner of the fence. Adjacent property owners may jointly build on a property line with written agreement and a permit. When considering privacy fence ideas, it's essential to keep these legal aspects in mind to ensure a smooth installation process.
In Maryland, you may need a permit for your fence project. If a permit is required, you can typically apply for one from the City Department of Housing and Community Development. Getting a permit means that your work and the site plan will be reviewed by a City inspector and they will verify that it complies with the City's building code. In many cities, including Baltimore, you can apply for your fence permit online. Just create an account, pay online, and if the permit is approved it will be issued online as well.
Baltimore City requires permits for most fence construction. The city code also includes maintenance requirements: owners must keep fences in good repair. If an existing fence deteriorates beyond 50%, it must be removed or reconstructed to current standards.
In Maryland law, there is a specific ban on building spite fences. Spite fences are built by one neighbor to annoy the other neighbor. In some cases, spite fences are constructed to lower the property value of the next door neighbor. It's important to understand the difference between a good neighbor fence, which fosters cooperation and mutual agreement, and a spite fence, which may lead to legal issues and disputes.
Another consideration you'd expect is special permits for fences built in floodplains. While Baltimore City is subject to the threat of flooding, the city doesn't have specific permit requirements for fences constructed on 100-year floodplains the way that other cities do, like Houston for example.
Most of Baltimore is not in a specific county, and the larger metropolitan area includes homes in neighboring counties. Baltimore County does have a special regulation for fences built on floodplains. One example is that all fences - regardless of height - need a permit if they are going to be built on a 100-year floodplain. Baltimore County also requires a permit for any fence planned in a historic district.
In Howard County, there are specific rules for fences in front yards when the property is a corner lot. In that case, homeowners must make sure that any fence in the triangle formed by straight lines joining points 25 feet back from the point where the roads intersect. Those are known as clear vision areas and many cities regulate fence height to keep drivers safe.
Anne Arundel County, to the south of Baltimore, defines a fence as a residential accessory structure and as such requires a permit. You can look on the county website for how to complete the application process which can take place online, in person or by mail.
Some fence laws have more to do with safety than appearance - and one of the most common of these governs pool fences. Do you have an in-ground swimming pool in your back yard? In Maryland, fences around in-ground pools have to be at least 4 feet tall with a self-closing, and self-latching, gate.
Another safety law in Maryland requires you to call 811 at least two business days before starting your fence project. This is a free service that's important for homeowners to use because every property has underground lines for things like water and gas.
Hitting one of these lines could cause major property damage if not serious injury. Contacting 811 first will help prevent you and your family from harm, prevent utility services interruptions and avoid costly damage.
Besides the issue of underground lines, replacing a current fence or constructing a new fence on your own without experience is not advisable for safety reasons. Building fences requires the use of things like nail guns, dealing with fence panels falling over, and the difficult and potentially dangerous job of removing fence posts.
Before starting your fence project, make sure to check out your city's website for fence construction information. Also contact your HOA if you have one. Each city can have different regulations, and every HOA has the potential to have their own specific rules about fences. You'll need to be familiar with these to find out if the fence you want to build is allowed, or requires a permit or special review.
And remember, check out your local ordinances in Baltimore County, Howard County or Anne Arundel County if your home is located in any of those, because they could be slightly different.
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Fence Regulations
Fence Regulations
Fence Regulations
