FENCE RULES – BROUSSARD (CITY), LOUISIANA
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within City of Broussard, subject to local regulations.
The City of Broussard does not publish a single consolidated residential fence chapter in the materials reviewed. Fence-related direction appears instead in the City of Broussard Building/Construction Permits page, in City Code provisions addressing drainage and nuisance conditions, and in Ordinance No. 24-803 adopting the City’s Zoning Regulations.
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 City of Broussard Code of Ordinances, the City of Broussard Building/Construction Permits page, the City of Broussard Planning and Zoning page, and Ordinance No. 24-803 adopting the Zoning Regulations, as of March 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Residential fence administration in the City of Broussard is split among Permitting/Licensing Dept., Planning & Zoning, Building Code Inspection Services, and the Building Permits Department identified in the zoning regulations.
The City of Broussard does not publish a single consolidated fence code. The Building/Construction Permits page provides the clearest current administrative permit statement for fences. The City Code adds fence-related rules in Sec. 18-232 for drainage obstruction and Sec. 38-166 for nuisance conditions affecting traffic visibility and fire hydrant access. Ordinance No. 24-803 states in Section 5.03 that residential setback, location, utility, dimension, and related building restrictions are maintained in the Building Permits Department.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Building Permit: The City’s Building/Construction Permits page states that building permits are required for all new construction, demolition, and most home-improvement projects, including fences.
• Engineered Drawings: The same page states that fences 8 feet or taller require approved engineered drawings.
• Residential District Standards: Section 5.03 of the zoning regulations states that specifications and requirements relating to setbacks, location, utilities, dimensions, and related building restrictions in residential districts are maintained in the Building Permits Department.
• Permit Intake and Inspections: The City directs applicants to the Permitting/Licensing Dept. for permit application requests, and to Building Code Inspection Services for inspections.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with Planning & Zoning before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Property Line Setbacks: 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.
• Drainage Facilities: City Code Sec. 18-232 prohibits extending fences, wire, or other material across drainage ditches, road ditches, or other city drainage facilities in a manner that obstructs drainage.
• Residential District Location Standards: The zoning regulations state that residential district requirements relating to setbacks, location, utilities, dimensions, and related building restrictions are maintained in the Building Permits Department.
• 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 municipal code does not specify a maximum height for standard single-family residential fences.
• Yard-Based Height Limits: The municipal code does not specify separate front-yard, side-yard, or rear-yard fence height limits for standard single-family residential fences.
• Intersection Visibility: City Code Sec. 38-166(4) treats as a public nuisance any fence or other obstruction that prevents drivers from obtaining a clear view of traffic when approaching an intersection or pedestrian crosswalk.
• Corner Lots: City Code Sec. 46-48(c) states that on a corner lot, no fence, wall, hedge, or other structure or planting other than mowed grass may be erected, placed, or maintained within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line joining points 30 feet from the intersection, measured along the street right-of-way lines.
• Fire Hydrant Visibility: City Code Sec. 38-166(15) treats as a public nuisance any fence or other obstruction that interferes with access to, or the clear view of, a fire hydrant.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Residential Materials: The municipal code does not specify permitted or prohibited materials for standard single-family residential fences.
• Other Residential Construction Standards: The municipal code does not specify fence opacity standards, finished-side orientation, or other material-specific residential fence requirements in the reviewed materials.
• Engineered Drawings: The City’s published permit guidance states that fences 8 feet or taller require approved engineered drawings.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners association covenants, subdivision restrictions, and other private agreements operate independently of City of Broussard regulations and may be more restrictive than the City’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:
• Beginning fence construction without the required permit.
• Constructing a fence 8 feet or taller without the approved engineered drawings required by the City’s published permit guidance.
• Extending fencing, wire, or similar material across drainage ditches or other city drainage facilities in a way that obstructs drainage.
• Creating a visibility obstruction for drivers approaching an intersection or pedestrian crosswalk.
• Interfering with access to, or the clear view of, a fire hydrant.
• On a corner lot, placing a fence within the 30-foot triangular visibility area stated in Sec. 46-48(c).
• Fence-related nuisance complaints may be investigated by designated enforcement officers through periodic inspections and inspections upon complaint.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within City of Broussard, 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 Permitting/Licensing Dept. and Planning & Zoning and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from City of Broussard staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.