Fence Information

BRISTOL FENCE REGULATIONS

Fence Definition: FENCE: An artificial barrier constructed of any material or combination of materials that is erected to enclose, separate, screen or buffer areas of land.

Fences – No fence, wall, or other structure in the nature of a fence shall be constructed, installed or maintained except in accordance with the following provisions:

a. Fences in Residential zones

(1) Fences, walls, or other structures in the nature of a fence located within the required front yard shall have a maximum height of four feet, six inches (4½ ft.) and shall be at least 50 percent open.

(2) Fences, walls, or other structures in the nature of a fence located within the front yard but beyond the required front yard, within a side yard, or within the rear yard shall have a maximum height of six feet, six inches (6½ ft.).

(3) Support posts or columns shall be no taller than one foot above the highest part of the fence itself.

Pedestrian gates, arbors, and similar structures used as entryway features shall have a maximum height of eight feet.

(4) Chain link fences shall not be allowed in the required front yard.

b. Fences in Business zones

(1) Fences, walls, or other structures in the nature of a fence located within the required front yard shall have a maximum height of six feet, six inches (6½ ft.).

(2) Fences, walls, or other structures in the nature of a fence located within the front yard beyond the required front yard, within a side yard, or within the rear yard shall have a maximum height of ten feet.

c. Fences in Industrial zones

(1) Fences, walls, or other structures in the nature of a fence located within the required front yard shall have a maximum height of six feet, six inches (6½ ft.).

(2) Fences, walls, or other structures in the nature of a fence located within the front yard beyond the required front yard, within a side yard, or within the rear yard shall have a maximum height of ten feet.

d. General Requirements

(1) The height of a fence shall be measured from the finished grade along the exterior side of the fence to the top of the fence; posts or other supporting members shall not be included in such measurement. If a fence is built on top of a berm or wall, the combined height of the fence and berm/wall shall not exceed the allowable fence height. On sloping ground, the fence shall follow the slope or step with the slope so as not to exceed the allowable height at any point along the fence.

(2) No fence shall be located closer than three feet from the front lot line or closer than six inches from any other lot line.

(3) Except as otherwise permitted by Sections 47-47 and 47-48 of the CT General Statutes, barbed wire fences and fencing materials shall be prohibited as permanent fencing.

(4) All gates shall open onto the lot on which they are located.

(5) All fences shall be uniform in material and color. In the case of a fence with a finished side and an unfinished side, the finished or more decorative side shall face outward toward the adjoining lot or the street.

(6) All fences shall be maintained in good condition, free of significant rust, peeling paint, or other damage. Repairs made to fences shall be of the same material as the existing fence. All fences hereafter erected shall be constructed of new materials only.

e. Other Fences

(1) Fences Around Recreation Facilities – On the grounds of a school or on the grounds of a public or private recreation facility, an open fence erected to enclose a playground, playfield, swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, or similar facility may exceed the otherwise applicable height limits, but shall not exceed 12 feet in height.

(2) Temporary Construction Fences – Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, a temporary fence shall be permitted in any zoning district to enclose a site at which construction activity is underway.

Such fence shall be in place only for the duration of the construction activity and shall be removed when construction activity has been completed or has been discontinued for a period of 90 days or more. Such fence shall be located as necessary to protect the public and to secure the construction site, as approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

f. Fence Permits

(1) No fence shall be constructed, erected, altered, or otherwise changed unless a Building Permit has first been issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

(2) All applications for a Building Permit shall be signed or countersigned by the owner of the lot on which the fence will be located and shall be accompanied by the following:

i. A plot plan of the premises drawn to scale showing the location of the proposed fence (including any gates) in relation to all lot lines, streets, driveways, sidewalks, and structures within five feet of the lot.

ii. Plans and specifications of the proposed fence, including its type, dimensions, area, height, materials, color, and method of construction.