Fences

A zoning permit ($47) is required for a fence installation. The following are the restrictions for fences in residential districts:

  • No fence is permitted to project into the front yard (the space from the front edge of the building line to the street)
  • On the sides and rear yards of your lot, the fence must be set within your property lines.  If you live in an established subdivision you may want to check your covenants and deed restrictions.
  • If you have a corner lot, the side yard setback of the street side corner is 25 feet.
  • The height of a permitted fence is no more than 6 feet in height and is measured from the natural lay of the land.
  • The preferred or decorative side of the fence shall face toward the adjacent properties.

Zoning Permit Link 

General Notes:

  • Determine your property lines. The City typically does not have survey data for residential properties.
  • Check your subdivision covenants and deed restrictions if applicable.
  • Check for underground utilities by contacting MISS DIG at 811 or 800-482-7171 at least 72 hours prior to excavating.
Applicable zoning requirements:
Applicable Zoning Code Sections for Fences and Other Screening Structures:
5.191(10)(a). Fences/Obscuring Fences/Walls/Screens. Fences, obscuring fences, walls and/or screens, not exceeding six (6) feet in height may occupy a required side or rear yard, unless otherwise specified herein. The six (6) feet height limit specified above is to be measured from the natural lay of the land.

The decorative side of the fence, obscuring fence, wall, or screen shall be located so that it is facing toward the adjacent properties. All other fences, obscuring fences, walls or screens not complying with these regulations must be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals with the exception that obscuring fences, walls or screens are permitted to exceed fence height limitations in Office, Business and Industrial Zoning Districts if they are being used to screen mechanical, electrical and/or plumbing equipment that provide essential utility services to the building and have been reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator. A building permit is required for the installation of all fences, obscuring fences, walls and screens.

5.191(10)(b). Hedges. Hedges and planting(s) may occupy any required yard provided no hedge in
excess of two (2) feet in height shall be maintained on the front, side or rear of any lot within thirty (30) feet of any two (2) intersecting lot lines at the intersection of two (2) streets.
5.191(10)(c). Required Maintenance. Any fence, obscuring fence, wall, screen, hedge or other dividing barrier required or installed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be maintained in a safe and attractive fashion at all times.

5.191(11). Temporary Fences. Temporary fences are prohibited in all zoning districts; however, the following exceptions are permitted provided the height of the temporary fence does not exceed the maximum fence height specified for the respective zoning district:
(a) Temporary fences at permitted construction sites, as authorized by the Building Inspector.
(b) Snow fences and other temporary fences authorized by the City Manager to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
(c) Other temporary fences located in the Historic Preservation District if approved by the Historic Preservation District Commission following a public hearing. An application fee shall be required. 
The amount of the fee shall be determined by City Council resolution.
(d) Other temporary fences located outside the Historic Preservation District if approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals following a public hearing. An application fee shall be required. The amount of the fee shall be determined by City Council resolution.
5.191(12).

Garden Structures/Maintenance. Garden structures (i.e. trellises) specifically designed for the
purpose of supporting the growth of flowers or plants, and not intended to be used for fences, obscuring fences, walls or screens, are limited to no greater than eight (8) feet in width and eight (8) feet in height. Such garden structures are permitted only in side and rear yards. No more than three garden structures, separated by a minimum of ten (10) feet, are allowed per premises. Garden structures shall be maintained in a safe and attractive fashion at all times and are not subject to permit regulations located in this Chapter.