FENCE RULES – CADDO (PARISH), LOUISIANA
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Caddo Parish, subject to local regulations.
This page applies to properties in the unincorporated areas of Caddo Parish; incorporated municipalities regulate fences under their own ordinances.
The principal residential fence standards appear in the Caddo Parish Unified Development Code, especially Article 7, On-Site Development Standards. Additional permit administration appears in Chapter 10, Building Codes and Permits, of the Caddo Parish Code of Ordinances, and separate floodplain administration appears in Chapter 18, Flood Damage Prevention, where mapped flood hazard areas are involved.
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 Caddo Parish Unified Development Code, the Caddo Parish Code of Ordinances, and Caddo Parish Public Works materials as of March 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Caddo Parish is the governing authority for this page. The main fence rules are set by the Caddo Parish Unified Development Code.
Zoning administration under the Unified Development Code is handled through the Metropolitan Planning Commission, the Executive Director, and the Zoning Administrator. Permit and floodplain administration under the Code of Ordinances is handled through the Caddo Parish Public Works Department.
Caddo Parish does publish a specific residential fence section. Standard fence rules appear in Article 7, especially Section 7.3.L, Fences and Walls, with related visibility rules in Section 7.1.E, Sight Triangle, and measurement rules in Section 2.4.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Building Permit: The Caddo Parish Unified Development Code states that all fences, including repair of existing fences, require a building permit.
• Flood Hazard Areas: The Caddo Parish Code of Ordinances includes a separate flood-damage-prevention permit framework for development in mapped special flood hazard areas.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with Metropolitan Planning Commission before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Property Lines / Rights-of-Way / Servitudes: 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.
• Lot Boundary Placement: A fence or wall, including posts, bases, and other structural parts, must remain completely within the boundaries of the lot on which it is located.
• Visibility Areas: The code establishes sight-triangle rules at driveway intersections and at street or alley corners that affect fence placement and fence height.
• 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
• Front / Corner Side / Reverse Corner Side Yards: An open fence is permitted up to 6 feet in height. Any non-open fence, wall, or hedge is limited to 3 feet in height.
• Interior Side and Rear Yards: A fence of any type, wall, or hedge is permitted up to 8 feet in height.
• Sight Triangle: Within the sight triangle, closed fences or walls and plantings are limited to 3 feet in height. A semi-open fence that complies with the fence rules and does not impair visibility is permitted.
• Height Measurement: Fence and wall height is measured from the adjacent ground to the highest point. Decorative posts may exceed the otherwise applicable maximum height by 6 inches.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
The code defines a fence as a barrier constructed of wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh, masonry, or similar material. The code does not specify a general list of prohibited materials for standard residential fences beyond the restrictions stated below.
• Open vs. Solid Fence: An open fence has more than 50 percent regularly distributed openings. A shadowbox fence is treated as a solid fence. A chain-link fence with slats is not treated as a solid fence.
• Finished Side: When only one side of a fence is finished, the finished side must face away from the lot on which the fence is located. Fences constructed on property lines dividing single-family residential lots are exempt from this rule.
• Fence Posts: Fence posts must be placed on the inside of the fence.
• Electrified Fences: Electrified fences are prohibited.
• Barbed or Razor Wire: Barbed wire, razor wire, spiked posts, and similar materials are permitted only on a lot used for a utility in any district, or in the R-A, C-4, I-MU, I-1, or I-2 districts. Where allowed, they must be located at least 8 feet above the adjacent ground.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Private covenants, deed restrictions, and homeowners association rules operate independently of parish regulations and may be more restrictive. Caddo Parish does not enforce private agreements through the Unified Development Code.
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 Review: Fence construction and fence repair are reviewed through the building permit process.
• Height and Yard Location: Review may address whether the fence height and fence type match the yard in which the fence is located.
• Visibility: Fences, walls, or plantings that obstruct the sight triangle can trigger review.
• Encroachment: Fence or wall components located outside the lot boundary, or within a right-of-way, easement, or servitude, can trigger review.
• Construction Standards: Review may address finished-side orientation, post placement, electrified fencing, and the placement of barbed or razor wire where that material is used.
• Maintenance: Damaged or missing fence elements must be repaired, removed, or replaced.
• Floodplain Review: Separate review may apply in mapped special flood hazard areas under the flood damage prevention chapter.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Caddo 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 Metropolitan Planning Commission and Caddo Parish Public Works Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Caddo Parish staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.