One great feature of my backyard has been that the back border is flat onto the back wall of a warehouse, which is windowless and covered in ivy. Unfortunately, the warehouse has closed and is being sold as a development site. I think my neighborless backyard days are numbered… so I am wondering: how high can one build a backyard fence? Am I allowed to go up 10 feet? 20 feet? 40??? 20 and 40 seem implausible, as I’ve never seen fences that high… Ah well. Any guidance appreciated!


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. If you make it more then 6′ high you will need a permit and the DOB may deny you as an unpermitted obstruction in a rear yard. It depends on your zoning district.

  2. A fence is allowed to go 6′. A wall with a foundation is another matter. I remember one neighbor hated someone so much in manhattan he got his built 30′ or so. It just has to be designed to stand up.