How Tall Can a Fence Be in High Point, NC?
A residential fence in High Point can be up to 8 feet tall. Within 15 feet of a local street right-of-way the limit is 4 feet, with limited exceptions. Height is measured from the ground to the top of the fence, and a retaining wall or berm under the fence counts toward that height.
High Point fence height limits
| Where the fence goes | Maximum height |
|---|---|
| Anywhere on a residential lot | 8 feet |
| Within 15 feet of a local street public right-of-way | 4 feet, with limited exceptions |
| Posts and columns | No more than 18 inches above the built height of the fence |
The permit review checks these numbers before the fence goes in, and an on-site inspection confirms them after.
How High Point measures fence height
Height runs from the ground to the top of the fence. Posts and decorative columns are not part of that number, but they cannot rise more than 18 inches above it.
The rule that surprises people: a retaining wall or berm under the fence is included in the fence height. A 6 foot privacy fence on top of a 3 foot retaining wall is a 9 foot fence to the city, which is over the residential limit.
The 15 foot rule and your front yard
The 15 feet is measured from the street right-of-way, and the right-of-way can extend past the pavement into what looks like your yard. Your plat or survey shows where it is. Inside that band, plan on 4 feet.
So a fence near the street is usually an open style like aluminum or picket, and the 6 to 8 foot privacy sections start further back.
Corner lots and intersections
No fence can block a driver's view at a street intersection. High Point applies the visibility standards in Chapter 6 of the City Code, so a fence on a corner lot may need to stay lower or further back near the corner than the height table suggests.
Fence heights in nearby towns
| Town | Front yard | Back yard | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | 4 ft within 15 ft of a local street | 8 ft | City Residential Fence Standards |
| Archdale | 4 ft | 8 ft | City planning FAQ |
| Greensboro | 4 ft within 15 ft of a street right-of-way | Up to 7 ft in most areas, 6 ft along a thoroughfare | FenceRules summary of the city ordinance, February 2026 |
Choosing a fence height
- 4 feet: front yards near the street, and 48 inches is the minimum height for a pool barrier under the NC Residential Code
- 6 feet: the standard privacy height for a backyard
- 8 feet: the residential maximum in High Point, for extra screening along a busy road or a close neighbor
Last updated September 2026.
Quick Answers
Common Questions
Do fence posts count toward the height limit in High Point?
No. Height is measured to the top of the fence, not the posts. Posts and columns can extend no more than 18 inches above the built height of the fence.
Can I build a fence on top of a retaining wall in High Point?
Yes, but the retaining wall counts toward the fence height. The wall and the fence together cannot exceed the limit for that part of the lot.
How tall can a front yard fence be in High Point?
Within 15 feet of a local street public right-of-way, 4 feet, with limited exceptions. Further back from the street, the 8 foot residential limit applies.
What is the tallest fence allowed in High Point?
8 feet for a residential fence, measured from the ground to the top of the fence.
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