I have been asked many times, numerous questions concerning fences and fence permits. Such questions as; Is a permit required to construct a fence? May I put a fence in an easement? Should the fence face in or out? What are the City’s restrictions on fences?

The decision to erect a fence or replace an existing fence is an important one. A new fence should be placed within the confines of your property. It is therefore necessary to ascertain where your property lines are. You would not want to put your fence on your neighbor’s property.

After determining where your property line is located you will want to choose what type of fencing you will use. Many types are available ranging from picket to stockade to chain link. Rock Hill does not require that fences face toward your property or your neighbors property in residentially zoned areas. Fence posts must be at least thirty inches in the ground and not any fence can be higher than six feet. No barbed wire is allowed in fences built in residentially zoned areas.

Should you choose to erect a fence in an easement, please keep in mind that the utility has the right of access to the easement to perform maintenance and construction. If your fence is in the easement, or blocking access to the easement, the utility has the right to move the fence to gain access to the easement.

A fence permit is required for the erection of a new fence or the replacement of an old one. A person may obtain a fence permit from the City of Rock Hill by coming into City Hall and filling out an application showing the following information: The plot of the property showing the shape and placement of any property lines; the location of all structures on the property and the placement of the proposed fence in relation to those structures; and the type of fence to be built, a $15.00 administrative fee is required

Please keep in mind that a permit cannot be issued for construction of a fence in the front yards of residentially zoned properties in Rock Hill.