FAQ
Fence Questions, Answered
Reno Solid Fence answers the questions Reno-area homeowners ask most about permits, height limits, safety rules, costs and hiring a licensed fence contractor.
Permits and Height
Do I need a permit for a fence in Reno?
Inside City of Reno limits, the city's fence standards say construction of fences and walls requires a permit. Unincorporated Washoe County generally does not require one for residential fences within its height limits, but does for screening fences and pool barriers. Sparks, Carson City and Lyon County set their own rules.
How tall can my fence be?
City of Reno: 4 feet in the required front yard, 6 feet on side and rear lines. Unincorporated Washoe County: 4½ feet in the front setback, 6 feet elsewhere. Sparks: 3 feet in front setbacks, or 4 feet if at least 50 percent open; 6 feet elsewhere.
Can I repair my fence without a permit?
In unincorporated Washoe County you may replace up to 100 linear feet of boards on a damaged fence, same type and location, without a building permit. Ask the City of Reno about repairs inside city limits.
What about corner lots?
Washoe County limits fences to 18 inches at the corner of the 30-foot visibility triangle and in the first 10 feet of a driveway next to the street. Reno applies a clear vision triangle based on AASHTO standards.
Safety Rules
What are the pool fence rules?
Washoe County requires a barrier at least 48 inches tall with no more than 2 inches at the bottom and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. Pool barriers always need a permit. See pool fences.
Can a wood fence attach to my house?
In Washoe County's wildland-urban interface areas, any part of a fence within 5 feet of a building must be noncombustible or as fire-resistive as the exterior walls.
Do I need to call 811 before digging post holes?
Yes. Nevada law requires notice to 811 at least two working days before digging deeper than 12 inches by hand or with any equipment.
Are barbed wire and electric fences allowed?
Not on residential property in the City of Reno. Electric fencing there is limited to property not designated for residential use.
Cost
How much does a fence cost per foot?
National installed ranges: wood privacy about $13–$45, vinyl about $30–$60, aluminum about $25–$50, ornamental steel about $30 to more than $100 per linear foot. See fence cost in Reno.
How much deposit can a fence contractor take?
Nevada caps the initial deposit on a residential contract at $1,000 or 10 percent of the price, whichever is less, unless the contractor carries a specific $100,000 residential bond.
Hiring a Contractor
Who actually builds the fence?
An independent fence contractor licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Reno Solid Fence is a referral service and is not a licensed contractor in Nevada; you contract with and pay the contractor directly.
What license should a fence contractor have?
Fence installation generally falls under the NSCB's A-21 Fencing and Guardrails classification. Check the license and its monetary limit at nvcontractorsboard.com.
What should the quote include?
Material, height, length, post type, depth and spacing, gates, removal of any old fence, cleanup, permit responsibility, price, payment schedule and start date.
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Get quotes from licensed fence contractors near you
Tell us your city, the fence you have in mind and a rough length. We pass it to an independent fence contractor licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board who works in your area. They contact you to measure and quote in writing, and you contract with them directly.
- 1Your request goes to a fence contractor who serves your city.
- 2They call or email to measure the line and quote in writing.
- 3You decide. Contract with and pay the contractor directly.