Fences and walls in Fairfax: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Fairfax Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Fairfax's code says

Fairfax code What Fairfax's code adds
Front yard height	Fences up to 4 feet high, measured from the ground at each point. Applies: Allowed in any yard or court. § 17.044.080 · code text If not exceeding at any point four feet in height above the elevation of the surface of the ground at such point, they may be located in any yard or court.
Side and rear yard height	Fences up to 6 feet high, measured from the ground at each point. Applies: Allowed anywhere behind the front setback line. § 17.044.080 · code text If not exceeding at any point six feet in height above the elevation of the surface of the ground at such point, they may be located at any point to the rear of the front setback line.
Permit	A Planning Commission variance is required for fences, walls, hedges or bulkheads over 6 feet. Applies: Applies to heights over 6 feet. § 17.044.080 · code text fences, walls, hedges or bulkheads may be maintained at higher heights only after obtaining a variance from the Planning Commission.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Fairfax?

Fairfax limits fences to 4 feet in any yard and 6 feet behind the front setback line; taller ones need a Planning Commission variance.

Fences and walls in Fairfax

Key points

What Fairfax's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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