Fence Permit Rules in Arlington
Arlington, VA fence height rules vary by yard and setback. Front lines often stay near 4 ft, sides near 6 ft, rear up to 7 ft. Get a free Arlington County quote.
This guide is for Arlington County, Virginia (DMV), not Arlington, Texas. In Arlington, VA, fence permit rules sit next to zoning height and setback limits. Most residential lots typically allow about 4 ft near front lot lines, about 6 ft on many side yards, and up to about 7 ft in rear yards. Height also steps up by setback depth on street-side runs toward Fort Myer, Clarendon, or Ballston, so a short front panel can still fail zoning if it sits too tall inside the first setback zone.
Arlington separates finished height by yard location and how far the fence sits from the lot line. Front yards are typically about 4 ft near the lot line. Side yards commonly land near 6 ft. Rear yards often allow up to about 7 ft.
County materials commonly frame it this way:
Confirm the limit for your exact zoning district and lot layout before you buy materials. For statewide context, see Virginia fence laws. For property-line placement, see fence setbacks.
Street-side yards and corner lots matter more in Arlington than on a deep suburban rear line. A fence that clears a rear height max can still fail if it blocks a sight triangle at an intersection. Arlington County materials call out sight-triangle limits that keep low height near street corners.
Keep the fence on your side of the property line. Shared boundary questions are easier when you review which side of the fence is mine and what is a good neighbor fence before you draw the line.
HOA or co-op rules in Arlington County can sit below county maximums. If your association caps privacy at 6 ft or bans street-facing styles, use the stricter rule. Confirm current county rules for your address with Arlington County planning or building staff before you lock height and material. When an application asks for drawings, a simple site plan often covers the fence line, heights, and lot boundaries without ordering a full survey.
Ergeon's published Arlington rates put wood at about $26/ft, vinyl at about $42/ft, and aluminum at about $36/ft installed (2025 averages). Average project cost on the city page is about $1,829 across 20 completed projects since 2020. Recent jobs include $1,560 (27th St N, wood), $1,829 (13th Rd S, vinyl), $4,449 (N Daniel St, wood), and $6,251 (N Buchanan St, vinyl).
Popular wood packages include Value Dog Ear, Flat Top with Cap Rail, Decorative Flat Top with Trim, Picket, and In Panel. Browse every package on the Arlington city fence page.
Start on the Arlington city fence page, or call 703-570-1153 / 1-888-374-3661, then set finished height by yard segment and setback depth before you schedule. Draw your fence line on the satellite map, lock height by front, street-side, and rear runs, and confirm gates and access on tight alley or side yards on a live video quote.
Installs in Arlington average about 1 week from quote approval to completion. Monthly financing is available on qualifying outdoor projects. Final price depends on length, height, material, and site conditions. See how it works for the quote-to-install flow.
Most Northern Virginia counties ask for a site plan when a fence permit is required. A certified survey often runs $1,000 to $3,000, and you usually do not need that level unless the county specifically asks for a certified or stamped drawing. Ergeon can generate a permit-ready, GIS-based site plan in about 15 minutes for $29, using the same tool it relies on for its own permit filings.
What are fence permit rules in Arlington?
Zoning usually points to about 4 ft near front lot lines, about 6 ft on many side yards, and up to about 7 ft in rear yards. Street-side height also steps up by setback depth. Confirm current rules for your lot with Arlington County.
Is this guide for Arlington, VA or Arlington, TX?
This article is for Arlington County, Virginia in the DMV. Texas search results serve a different market with different rules and pricing.
Can a short front fence still violate Arlington rules?
Yes. Front and street-side zones often stay near 4 ft close to the lot line. A mid-height front panel can fail zoning even when a rear panel at 6 or 7 ft is fine.
How much does an Arlington fence cost?
Ergeon averages about $26/ft wood, $42/ft vinyl, and $36/ft aluminum installed (2025). Recent local jobs ranged from about $1,560 to $6,251.
Get a free quote in Arlington · Call 703-570-1153 or 1-888-374-3661. Monthly-payment financing is available on qualifying projects.
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