Is an 8 foot privacy fence too high?

Author: Kip Bechtelar  |  Last update: Sunday, February 8, 2026

Standard Privacy Fence Height Privacy fences, by design must be tall enough to obstruct the view into your property. For that reason, privacy fences are typically between 6-8 ft. tall in residential areas. The maximum privacy fence height is 8 ft in most cases.

Is an 8 ft fence too high?

An 8-foot fence is not necessarily too high, but its appropriateness depends on local regulations and the specific needs of the property. In many areas, 8-foot fences are allowed, especially in backyards where privacy and security are priorities.

Can you have an 8 ft privacy fence?

8-foot privacy fence panels are available in multiple configurations assuring a flawless fusion of safety and elegance for your space. Explore your fence options. Then request a price estimate for your next 8-foot privacy fence.

What is the highest fence you can have between neighbours?

The two-metre rule for fence height

This limit is for fences without planning permission. Fences exceeding two metres require local authority approval. Exceptions exist for front garden fences. Here, the height limit is one metre, unless planning permission is granted.

What is the highest privacy fence allowed?

Generally speaking, California building codes set a maximum height restriction at 4 feet for front yard fences and 6 feet for backyards.

Fence Contractors Hate Me For Showing You This!

What is a good height for a privacy fence?

If privacy is your main goal, you'll want a fence that is at least 6-feet high to prevent nosy neighbors or curious passers-by from peeking in. To be extra safe, choose a 7- or 8-foot high fence. Before you start building, however, double-check that local regulations allow you to build a fence to this height.

What is the 7 year fence law?

The 7 Year Boundary Rule is a legal principle that states that if a property owner has been using a piece of land as their own for at least 7 years, they may be entitled to claim ownership of that land.

What is the highest fence without planning permission?

Erecting or adding to a fence, gate or wall

If your property is a house you must apply for householder planning permission. That is if any of the below apply: it would be over 1m high and next to a highway used by vehicles. Or be over 2m high and sited elsewhere, such as a back garden.

Do you have to give your neighbour the good side of the fence?

Make Sure Your Neighbors Get the Good Side of the Fence

A common courtesy is to share the good side with your neighbor. It is important to note that any fence visible from the street should have a smooth side facing out toward the street. Many, if not most, HOAs require this.

Can you get 7ft fence panels?

A Strong hand made 7ft Premium fence panel in a natural colour that are fully framed and lot stronger that the lap panel fence and most other close board fences, This is an oversize fence panel that is made to order.

Is 8-foot spacing too much for a privacy fence?

The answer depends on the type of fence. For solid fences made from wood, composite or vinyl, eight feet is standard. If you put the posts any farther apart, they won't be strong enough to support the fence in windy conditions. Posts for chain link fences can be up to 10 feet apart.

Can I build an 8 ft fence?

Frequently asked questions about garden fences

Since 8 ft is over 2 metres, you will need planning permission if you want to have an 8 ft tall garden fence.

How much does it cost to build an 8-foot privacy fence?

For a 150-linear-foot privacy fence, expect to pay about $4,700 for a six-foot fence and $6,300 for an eight-foot-tall fence. Check your local regulations before building a tall fence. Most cities will allow you to build a 6-foot fence, but special permits may be required for fences over 7 feet.

How high is too high for a fence?

Fencing in your back garden that separates your property from your neighbours has a maximum legal height of 2 metres (6.5 feet).

How far should a 8-foot fence post be in the ground?

The generally recommended depth for any fence post hole is one-third the total length of your posts. For example, pressure-treated pine 4×4 posts are typically sold in 8-foot lengths. One-third of 8 feet is 32 inches. So for a 6-foot fence with 8-foot posts, you would dig the holes 32 inches deep.

How tall of a fence for a dog?

An easy reference point to use is that a fence should be at least three times as tall as the dog is long in order to prevent them from jumping over it.

Can you legally paint your side of your neighbor's fence?

Consent and Communication

When it comes to altering or making changes to a shared or boundary fence, it is essential to have open communication and obtain mutual consent from your neighbor. Generally, both neighbors should agree on any modifications to the fence, including painting it.

Should I tell my neighbors I'm putting up a fence?

The law says you must notify your neighbor with a written notice 30 days in advance of the project. The notice must include a description of the proposed fence, a proposed division of costs, a proposed timeline for the project and an invitation to discuss the project.

Can my neighbour attach things to my side of the fence?

Legal ownership of the fence determines who has the right to make alterations or attachments. If the fence lies on your neighbour's land, it is their property, meaning any modification without consent could legally be considered as damage or trespassing.

How close to a property line can you put a fence?

How close to a property line can I build? Fences are typically built between 2 and 8 inches from the line between properties. Some areas will allow the building of fences directly on the property line, but in this case, you'll have to cooperate with your neighbor and potentially share the cost of the fence.

How high can you build a privacy fence?

Privacy fences, by design must be tall enough to obstruct the view into your property. For that reason, privacy fences are typically between 6-8 ft. tall in residential areas. The maximum privacy fence height is 8 ft in most cases.

Can I put a higher fence up next to my neighbours?

The rules on fencing height are part of local planning policy, so for a definitive answer you should get in touch with your local authority planning office. As a rule of thumb, garden fences in your back garden are permitted to be a maximum of two metres high.

Can a neighbor tear down a shared fence?

The fence is considered joint property, and one party does not have the right to unilaterally remove it. If a neighbor removes a shared fence without your consent, you may have legal grounds to seek compensation for the cost of replacing the fence or even sue for damages.

What does a good neighbor fence look like?

A Good Neighbor Fence is a wood privacy fence that divides two properties, where the finished side of the fence (i.e. the more attractive, smooth side) faces the neighbor's property. The homeowner building the fence then has a view of the rails and posts from inside their yard.

Is it illegal to look over someone's fence?

If they're on your property looking through their fence, then technically they're trespassing, so NO.

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