Suffolk County Height Limits Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- County-Wide Fence Code
- None — town-level regulation
- Typical Front Yard Max
- 4 feet (varies by town)
- Typical Side/Rear Yard Max
- 6 feet (varies by town)
- Permit Required
- Generally yes, check with town
- Planning Commission Review
- Required for zoning changes
The Short Version
Suffolk County does not have a single county-wide fence height ordinance. Fence regulations are set by individual towns and villages, which must refer any zoning changes to the Suffolk County Planning Commission. Across most Suffolk County towns, the typical standard is 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in the side and rear yards, though specific rules vary by municipality. Building permits are generally required for fences above certain heights.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County does not impose a county-wide fence height limit. Instead, fence regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the ten towns and numerous incorporated villages within the county. All towns and villages with zoning authority must refer municipal zoning and subdivision actions to the Suffolk County Planning Commission for review, but the specific fence height limits are established in each municipality's own zoning code.
Across most Long Island towns in Suffolk County, the general pattern for residential fence heights is a maximum of 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in the side and rear yards. However, this varies by municipality and sometimes by zoning district within a municipality. Corner lots often have additional restrictions on fence heights near intersections to maintain sight lines for traffic safety.
Building permits are typically required for fence installation in Suffolk County towns. In the Town of Brookhaven, for example, homeowners must apply for a permit before erecting a fence, and inspections may be required. Fence materials, opacity, and placement relative to property lines are also regulated. Some towns restrict the use of certain materials like barbed wire or razor wire in residential areas, and many require that the finished side of a fence face outward toward neighboring properties.
Homeowners planning to install a fence should contact their town's building department to obtain the specific height limits, setback requirements, and permit process for their zoning district. The Suffolk County Planning Commission Guidebook provides an overview of the regulatory review process for zoning matters across the county.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Fence violations are enforced at the town level through code enforcement departments. Penalties typically include notices of violation requiring compliance within a specified period (often 30 days), followed by daily fines if the violation is not corrected. Fences that exceed height limits or are installed without required permits may need to be modified or removed at the property owner's expense. In the Town of Brookhaven, code enforcement can be reached at (631) 451-6161.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in Suffolk County?
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Suffolk County?
Can I build a privacy fence in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Suffolk County
How does Suffolk County compare?
See how Suffolk County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.