Fences are permitted in Kirkwood that follow current Building and Fence Code. The intent of the Code is to protect the public from unsafe fences, safeguard and enhance private and public property, and encourage effective fencing practice.

A permit is required for the new construction or rebuilding of any fence. The fence permit fee is $48. Permit applications should be made through the Kirkwood Public Portal and the following will be required to be uploaded with the application:

• Height, type, construction, and material
• Site plan showing the location of the fence in relation to the property lines, and the street/curb/sidewalk and structures on the lot.*

*Property survey is not required, but is recommended and will usually fulfill the site plan requirements when the fence is drawn on the survey.

General Fence Regulations

Materials:

• Fences shall not be constructed in any location of paper, cloth, canvas, bamboo, chicken coop wire, or barbed wire.
• Fences located between the street and a building in a residential area shall not be constructed of chain link wire, wire mesh, plastic mesh, or wooden slats.
• Fences shall not have electric current running through them.
• Fences shall not be constructed of single or double wire.
• Fences in residential areas shall not contain barbed wire.
• Fences shall be constructed in such a configuration that all framing members and support posts face towards the interior of the property, in other words, the "good side" should face outward.

Height & Openness:

• Fences in residential areas shall not exceed 6 feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the fence. (Posts may be 6 inches higher than the top of the fence.)
• Fences in residential areas which are located in front of the residence shall not exceed 4 feet in height and must be at least 1/3 open. (The front of the residence is the area between the front of the house and the street to which the house is addressed.)

Location:

• Fences shall not be located within any public right-of-way.
• Fences shall be located at least 12 feet from the curb or edge of a street.
• Fences shall be located at least one foot from the edge of a public sidewalk or walkway.
• Fences shall be located at least 25 feet from the point of intersection of the curb or edge of any intersecting streets.

Other Fence Regulations

• Fences around an institution, park, playground, school, commercial or industrial site shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
• Tennis court fences shall be of open mesh construction and shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council may specify fence height and materials as part of a Site Plan Review or Special Use Permit.
• Public safety fences enclosing utilities, bridge abutments, retaining walls, culverts, walkways, and drainage channels are exempt from the fence ordinance.
• In non-residential zoning districts, barbed wire shall be at least 6 feet above grade and not adjacent to a street, sidewalk, or park.
• Swimming pools shall be enclosed with a fence at least 4 feet high with a self-latching and self-closing gate. (See Pool Regulations available at the Building Division.)

Appeals & Variances

The Board of Adjustment may grant variances based on undue hardship. Contact the City Planner for more information at 314-822-5815.

Additional Information

The Building Commissioner enforces the Kirkwood Fence Code. For more information on permit applications, requirements, or other Fence Code information, contact the Building Division at 314-822-5823.

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