What's Required in St. Louis
- Building permit required for all new fence installations.
- Maximum height of 6 feet for side and rear yards.
- Front yard fences limited to 4 feet and must be 50% open.
- Site plan showing fence location relative to property lines and structures.
- Must not obstruct sight triangles at street intersections.
- Barbed wire and electrified fencing are prohibited in residential districts.
How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in St. Louis?
St. Louis doesn't tie its fence permit to a single height cutoff — the permit follows the scope of work rather than a threshold. Height still matters, just as a zoning cap rather than a permit line: on record, 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards. Build above those caps and you're into variance territory, not just a permit. Confirm your lot's exact limits with the Building Division, especially on corner lots where sight-line triangles cut into what you can build.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in St. Louis?
Plan on it — St. Louis lists fence work as permit-required, with fees typically in the $50–$100 range through the Building Division. The upside of the process: the review checks your height, setbacks, and corner visibility before you build, which is far cheaper than moving a finished fence. HOA and deed restrictions apply on top of city rules, so clear both before ordering materials.
How to Get a Fence Permit in St. Louis
Step 1: Obtain Site Plan
Prepare a drawing of your lot showing exactly where the fence will go.
Step 2: Express Review
Visit the Building Division for a walk-through Express Permit review.
Step 3: Pay Fees
Submit the flat residential fence fee at the cashier desk.
Step 4: Utility Location
Contact Dig Rite (811) to mark underground lines before construction.
Step 5: Final Inspection
Schedule a final building inspection once the fence is complete.