Do You Need a Permit for a Fence in High Point, NC?
Yes. The City of High Point requires a Zoning Fence Permit before a fence is installed on residential or nonresidential property. You apply at the Development Services Center or online through Accela Citizen Access, with a plot plan showing where the fence goes. Staff check that the application is complete within 2 business days and decide within 5.
What the High Point fence permit application needs
The city asks for three things:
- A completed Zoning Fence Permit Application
- The application fee, paid before the permit is issued. The amount is on the city's Development Fee Schedule
- A plot plan showing the fence location on the lot relative to buildings, property lines, easements and the street right-of-way
The plot plan is where applications slow down. If you have the survey from your closing, start there. If the property line is unclear, settle that before the fence gets drawn on it.
How long a High Point fence permit takes
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Completeness check | Within 2 business days of receipt |
| Approval, conditional approval or denial | 5 business days |
| Review of a revised application | 5 business days |
An incomplete application gets a written list of what is missing inside those first 2 business days. A clean plot plan on the first try saves a week.
What the permit review checks
- Height: a residential fence can be up to 8 feet, and no more than 4 feet within 15 feet of a local street right-of-way, with limited exceptions
- Location: on private property, never in the street right-of-way
- Easements: a fence in a utility easement needs written authorization from the easement holder
- Drainage: a fence cannot block or divert natural drainage onto or off another property
- Flood hazard areas: a fence there needs flood damage prevention approval
- Intersections: a fence cannot block a driver's view at a street corner
After the fence is built, the city confirms it meets the standards with an on-site inspection.
Historic districts need a second approval
If the house is in one of High Point's local historic districts, or is a Guilford County Historic Landmark, the fence also needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission. High Point's local historic districts are Johnson Street, Sherrod Park, Washington Street and West High Avenue. A Certificate of Appropriateness is granted after a public hearing, so plan the calendar around it.
Masonry walls over 4 feet use a different permit
Wood, metal and masonry fences go through the zoning fence permit. A masonry wall taller than 4 feet needs a construction permit instead.
Nearby towns set their own rules
Everything above is the City of High Point. Outside city limits, the town or county decides. Two we checked: Archdale's planning FAQ says fences do not need a zoning or building permit, with a 4 foot limit in the front yard and 8 feet in the back. Jamestown issues fence permits through its planning department, and its form asks for the fence height, location, materials and a sketch or survey.
How we handle the permit side
The layout we draw for your estimate is the same layout the plot plan needs, so the permit is part of planning the fence, not an afterthought. Call or text (336) 833-1955 and we will walk the fence line with you.
Last updated September 2026.
Quick Answers
Common Questions
Is there a fee for a fence permit in High Point?
Yes. The application fee is due before the permit is issued, and the amount is set by the city's Development Fee Schedule. The Development Services Center takes cash, card, check or money order.
Can I apply for a High Point fence permit online?
Yes. You can submit the Zoning Fence Permit Application online through Accela Citizen Access, or in person at the Development Services Center, 211 S. Hamilton St., Suite 316.
Who checks a fence after it is built in High Point?
The city. Compliance with High Point's fence standards is verified by an on-site inspection.
Can a fence go in a utility easement in High Point?
Only with written authorization from the easement holder. If the fence has to be removed for access, the city is not responsible for damage to it or for replacing it.
Make Your Backyard Work Better
Bring your deck or fence idea to a team that understands High Point properties and practical outdoor design. Contact us for a free estimate and a straightforward conversation about the next step.
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