FENCE RULES – ASCENSION (PARISH), LOUISIANA
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Ascension Parish, subject to local regulations.
This page applies to properties in the unincorporated areas of Ascension Parish; incorporated municipalities regulate fences under their own ordinances.
The principal residential fence standards for Ascension Parish appear in Section 17-2082-B of the Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code. Administrative permit direction also appears on the Building Department permitting page, the posted Fence Permit Application, and the current Permit Fee Schedule.
This page focuses on typical single-family residential fencing. If the jurisdiction’s adopted materials do not state a specific limit or requirement, this page notes that the code does not specify one.
Compiled From the Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code, the Building Department page, the Permitting page, the posted Fence Permit Application, the Permit Fee Schedule, the Planning & Development page, the Zoning page, and the Code Enforcement page as of March 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Residential fence administration in Ascension Parish is split between the Building Department, the Office of Planning and Development, the Zoning Office, and Code Enforcement.
The Office of Planning and Development states that it administers the Parish Subdivision Regulations and the Parish Development Code. The Zoning Office states that it administers the Ascension Parish Development Code. The Building Department handles permitting for fence construction, and Code Enforcement handles complaint-based property maintenance review.
The controlling local fence standards for standard residential lots appear primarily in Section 17-2082-B. Fence requirements of the Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code. Permit instructions and fees are published separately through the Permitting page, the posted Fence Permit Application, and the current Permit Fee Schedule.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Building Permit: The published Fence Permit Application states that a Building Permit is required for the construction of fences. Section 17-2082-B also states that a fence permit must be issued by the Building Department before construction of any fence or wall.
• Who May Apply: Only property owners or licensed fence contractors are allowed to apply for permits to construct fences.
• Application Materials: The published application requires a plot plan drawn to scale showing fence location, property lines, servitudes, address, lot number, subdivision if applicable, and any streets the property fronts. The signed application also states that the applicant will abide by Section 17-2082.B and is solely responsible for the final fence location.
• Inspection Scope: The published application states that Ascension Parish will not locate the fence, inspect installation, or become involved in property owner disputes over fencing.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with Zoning Office before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Property Lines: The ordinance does not state a setback requirement for standard residential fences from property lines; however, fences must be located entirely on the owner’s property and must not encroach into rights-of-way or easements or servitudes.
• Servitudes and Drainage: Fences and walls may not be located within a servitude or otherwise impede or divert the flow of water in drainage ways.
• Corner Lots: The published fence application states that fences on corner lots shall not be constructed in the sight triangle.
• Utility Safety: Louisiana’s Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law requires the person responsible for excavation or demolition to provide notice to the regional notification center (Louisiana 811) before digging. Notice must be provided at least two (2) full business days before the proposed commencement date of the excavation or demolition. Markings are considered valid up to 20 calendar days from the “mark-by” time, as long as the marks remain visible.
FENCE HEIGHT AND VISIBILITY RULES
• Maximum Height: The Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code does not specify a maximum height for standard residential fences.
• Sight Triangle: Fences and walls may not be located within any required sight triangle.
• Numeric Visibility Standard: The Ascension Parish Unified Land Development Code and the published Fence Permit Application do not specify a numeric sight-triangle measurement or a fixed maximum visibility-zone height for standard residential fences.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Compatible Design: Fencing materials must be compatible with the overall design of the principal building and site landscape.
• Acceptable Materials: Acceptable materials include natural stone, brick, stucco, wood, plastic or vinyl manufactured for fencing, decorative concrete block, metal such as wrought iron, and chain link, except along frontages facing an arterial designated in the Major Street Plan.
• Prohibited Materials: Prohibited materials include chicken wire along a property perimeter, except for internal runs and personal gardens; chain link on frontages facing an arterial designated in the Major Street Plan; plywood; corrugated metal; barbed wire unless approved by the Director; and electrically charged fences, except for agricultural purposes.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Ascension Parish states that it does not enforce private subdivision or deed restrictions. Homeowners association covenants, subdivision restrictions, and other private agreements operate independently of Ascension Parish regulations and may be more restrictive than the Parish’s published fence standards.
REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT
Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:
• Permit Compliance: Construction of a fence or wall without the required permit.
• Placement Violations: Placement of a fence or wall within a servitude, within a required sight triangle, or in a way that impedes or diverts drainage.
• Material Violations: Use of fencing materials prohibited by Section 17-2082-B.
• Maintenance Conditions: Accessory structures, including fences, that are not structurally sound or in good repair.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Ascension Parish, based on publicly available materials reviewed as of March 2026.
In addition to local fence rules, certain Louisiana laws apply statewide. See Statewide fence laws in Louisiana.
It is not legal advice and does not replace official ordinances, permits, surveys, or professional guidance. Rules and interpretations may change, and application may vary based on zoning district, site conditions, easements, rights-of-way, and private restrictions such as HOA covenants. Before purchasing materials or beginning construction, confirm current requirements and any site-specific limitations with Building Department and Zoning Office and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Ascension Parish staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.