Do you need a permit to install fencing in Raleigh?

Starting a new fencing project can be intimidating if you’re starting off from scratch. Typically, the first step of any project is obtaining permission from the county, city or municipality that you reside in, but not every single community in Wake County will require you to obtain a permit.

If you live in Raleigh, the short answer is yes, you will need to obtain a permit before installing a fence on your property.

Read a little more about how you can obtain your permit, and then contact us if you need a quality Raleigh fence company to handle your next fencing installation project.

What are the steps to obtain your Raleigh fence permit?

First you need to have a current survey of your Raleigh property. You should have received one when you closed on your home or business, if you don’t have one, you’ll need to hire a survey company to come out to your property and create one. It’s important to always have a survey handy, so think of purchasing a new one to be an investment in your parcel.

Next, you will need to fill out the permitting documents that Raleigh requires for submission. According to the fence page on Raleigh’s official website, the first thing you’ll need to consider is whether or not you’re in a historical district. If you are, you’ll need to fill out a “certificate of appropriateness.” Here’s what Raleigh officially says on this topic:

Historic designation is designed to protect and enhance the existing character of the community. Through historic district overlay zoning, an area of a community neighborhood is protected from unmanaged change by a review process based on established Design Guidelines. Historic landmark designation protects individual sites of significance. Any exterior change within a General Historic Overlay District (HOD-G) or Streetside Historic Overlay District (HOD-S)or to a Raleigh Historic Landmark must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)prior to beginning the work, regardless of other required city permits.

– Official Raleigh Website

Then, you’ll have to fill out the standard Raleigh residential fence permit application. Make sure you’re 100% accurate with this as any errors can hold up the permitting approval process significantly.

If you choose to pull the permit as a homeowner, instead of allowing a licensed contractor, you’ll need to submit the “homeowner’s exemption affidavit.”

There are also special consideration and approvals required if your property fits the following rules:

  • If your property contains a private well or septic services, you may need approval from Wake County prior to applying with the City of Raleigh.
  • Your property may be subject to Residential Infill Compatibility standards. Click here to learn more about residential infill development and verification.
    • – Official Raleigh Website

    Raleigh fence permit documents.

    Here are some helpful links to the aforementioned documents that the city of Raleigh requires for submission of a fencing installation permit packet: