Fence Installation Permits in Cary

Local Rule

Town of Cary Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections

Cary requires a fence permit only in two situations: for a fence exceeding 8 feet in height anywhere on the property, or for a new or substantially rebuilt fence taller than 42 inches located within 30 feet of a thoroughfare or collector street right-of-way (per the town's list of designated thoroughfares and collector streets, which is subject to change). Most standard backyard fences on interior residential lots fall outside both triggers and don't need a permit. For a permitted thoroughfare-adjacent fence over 42 inches, evergreen shrubs at least 24 inches tall must be planted at an average of every 5 feet of fence frontage. Fences used as swimming pool safety barriers must be permitted together with the pool building permit.

Source · Verified September 2026

Cary Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Wake County

Cary's own rule is shown above (No permit under 8 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City of Raleigh / Wake County

In Wake County, the City of Raleigh requires a zoning permit for most fence installations. North Carolina sets no statewide fence rule, so local zoning governs: front-yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet and side/rear fences to 6 to 8 feet. A pool barrier of at least 48 inches is required by the state residential code.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Cary with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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