Fence - Permits & Inspections FAQs
  • ​After I get approval, what do I do?

    ​After you receive approval, bring all necessary information to the Department of Planning's Zoning Counter, 2875 Sabre Street, Suite 500. (Our counter is currently open only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.) Your plans will be reviewed and approved. You may then be issued a building permit.

  • ​Do chain link fences have different requirements?

    ​Yes. In addition to the standard height and distance requirements, all chain link fences must have Category I landscaping between any fence within 30 feet of, and substantially parallel to, a public right-of-way.

  • ​Do I need any other approvals?

    ​Some easements may require permission from your homeowner's association or utility company before commencing work.  Check with Miss Utility (1-800-552-7001) for any underground cables before beginning construction.  

  • ​Do vinyl fences have different requirements?

    Unlike other fences, vinyl and other maintenance free fences may be located on a right-of-way line as long as Category I landscaping (see page 4 of the Fence & Wall Bulletin) is planted immediately inside the entire length of the fence. Fences installed on the right-of-way line must also meet specific height limits (see illustration on page 3 of  Fence & Wall Bulletin) and can be no greater than fifty percent (50%) opaque.​

  • ​Does someone have to be home for an inspection?

    ​No one has to be home. When the inspection is completed, a card will be left on the front door indicating if the fence passed inspection. Any problems will also be noted.

  • ​How do I call for an inspection?

    ​The inspections are scheduled through Permits and Inspections Permitting Service which allows contractors and homeowners to schedule inspections, cancel inspections or reschedule inspections.  Comments can be entered regarding ie.  any relevant information concerning the inspection. Additionally, inspection results and release information are available.  This system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Inspections may be scheduled up to 5 working days in advance of the desired inspection date. However, inspections must be scheduled PRIOR to 8:00 am the day the inspection is desired. All inspections scheduled after 8:00 am will not be available for a same day inspection.  It is recommended to schedule inspections no later than 7:00 am the day the inspection is desired to assure the information will be recorded in time.

    After an inspection has been scheduled using the Permits and Inspections Permitting Service scheduling system, inspectors may be contacted between 8:00 am - 9:00 am the day of the inspection.  

  • ​What inspections are required?

    ​A final inspection only. When work is completed and landscaping is in place, call for a final inspection.

  • ​When is landscaping required?

    ​Landscaping is required if a fence is within 10 feet of the right-of-way. See pages 3 & 4 of the  Fence and Wall Bulletin for landscaping guidelines.

  • ​Who may obtain a fence permit?

    ​The homeowner or the contractor may obtain fence permits. If a contractor is involved, the contractor should get the permit. As with all permits, whoever signs for the permit is responsible for the work.

  • ​Why do I need a fence permit?

    ​Fence permits are necessary to insure proper construction procedures, safeguard property values in the neighborhood, and enforce the standards of the Landscape, Screening and Buffering Specifications and Standards, as set forth by the City of Virginia Beach.

  • Are gates required?

    ​Gates are required on rear yard fences that are adjacent to a street. See Through Lot illustration on page 3 of the Fence & Wall Bulletin.

    Help! I still don't understand.

    If you have further questions...

    Please call the Zoning Office at (757) 385-8074.

  • How much is a fence permit?
    ​$61.00
  • What do I need for a fence permit?

    ​To apply for a fence permit, you need a copy of a physical survey or site plan drawn to scale. On the plan, the fence and the height shall be indicated. Landscaping, if required, shall also be indicated. A list of fence materials should be included. 

  • When is a fence permit required?

    A zoning permit is required for any new fence or wall, and for the repair, replacement or reconstruction of a fence or wall that involves more than 50% of the existing fence or wall.

    View more detailed information about fence permits.

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