FENCE RULES – CONWAY (CITY), SOUTH CAROLINA

OVERVIEW

Residential fences are permitted on private property within the corporate limits of Conway, South Carolina, subject to local regulations.

Fence installations within Conway are subject to permitting and specific standards for height, aesthetics, and public safety. The City regulates fences to preserve neighborhood character, ensure clear sightlines for motorists, and manage stormwater drainage. All fence installations, including the replacement or modification of existing structures, require formal approval from the Planning Department to verify compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Properties located within designated Historic Design Review Districts or specific Overlay Districts are subject to additional design standards and board review.

Compiled from the City of Conway Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the City Code of Ordinances, and the Planning & Development Department permit guidelines, as of February 2026.

GOVERNANCE

South Carolina does not publish a statewide residential fence code. For properties located within the City of Conway, fence standards are administered and enforced by the Planning & Development Department and the Building Department.

The primary regulatory framework is established in Article 5 (Accessory Uses and Structures) of the Unified Development Ordinance. The Zoning Administrator is authorized to interpret these codes, while the Community Appearance Board (CAB) provides oversight for fences located within historic and professional districts. Technical safety standards follow the state-adopted International Residential Code (IRC). City requirements do not override homeowners association (HOA) requirements or private covenants.

PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

The City of Conway requires formal approval prior to the installation of any fence or wall.

• Accessory Structure Permit: A permit is REQUIRED for any accessory structure, including all fences, regardless of height or material. This includes pre-constructed sections or fences moved onto the property.
• Application Process: To obtain a permit, property owners or contractors must submit a Residential Accessory Structure Application to the Planning Department.
• Site Plan Requirements: Applications must include a site plan (plat) showing the property dimensions, the exact location of the proposed fence, and its distance from existing buildings and property lines.
• Historic District Review: If a property is located within an Historic Design Review District (Downtown, Main Street Corridor, or Waccamaw Riverfront), a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be issued by the Community Appearance Board before a permit can be granted.
• Contractor Licensing: Any contractor hired to perform work within the city limits must possess a valid City of Anderson Business License and appropriate state credentials.

FENCE PLACEMENT RULES

Fences must be located entirely on the owner’s private property and must not interfere with public infrastructure or neighboring parcels.

• General Placement: Fences and walls are permitted in any required yard or along the edge of any yard.
• Rights-of-Way: No fence or wall may be placed within a public right-of-way or obstruct public sidewalks.
• Easements: Fences are not to be constructed within drainage or utility easements in a manner that obstructs the flow of water or prevents access for maintenance.
• Utility Notification: South Carolina state law mandates that SC 811 be contacted at least three full business days prior to breaking ground on any fence project. The required waiting period excludes the day of the notice, weekends, and holidays, allowing utility operators time to verify and mark underground lines. Excavators must strictly adhere to the ‘tolerance zone’ by utilizing only hand tools or soft digging methods within 24 inches of any utility indicators.

FENCE HEIGHT AND VISIBILITY RULES

Height limits are defined based on the location of the fence on the lot and the zoning of the property.

• Residential Front Yards: Fences located between the front property line and the front of the principal building may not exceed 4 feet in height.
• Residential Side and Rear Yards: Fences located in the side or rear yards may not exceed 8 feet in height.
• Intersection Visibility (Sight Triangle): On corner lots, a strict visibility triangle must be maintained to protect vehicular and pedestrian traffic. No fence, wall, or obstruction is permitted between the heights of 2.5 feet and 8 feet above the street level within a 25-foot triangular area formed by the intersecting right-of-way lines.
• Piers and Posts: Decorative or ornamental piers (brick, stone, or wood) that are structural components of a fence may be located in all required yards provided they meet design standards.

MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS

The City applies an orientation standard for fences and limits the use of certain materials to preserve community appearance.

• Finished Side Out: For all new and existing fences, the finished side of the fence must face the exterior of the lot (facing neighbors or the street). This applies to all residential fencing and is mandatory for required buffering.
• Prohibited Materials: Chain link fencing is described as prohibited in front yards and within Historic Design Review Districts. Barbed wire, razor wire, and similar hazardous materials are not permitted for residential use.
• Swimming Pool Barriers: Fences serving as safety barriers for residential swimming pools or spas must be a minimum of 48 inches (4 feet) in height and comply with all technical latching and opening requirements of the adopted building codes.
• Maintenance: The structural and aesthetic integrity of all fences must be maintained. Fences that become dilapidated, lean, or lose their finished appearance are subject to code enforcement.

PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS

Homeowners association (HOA) requirements and private covenants operate independently from City of Conway regulations. Private rules often impose more restrictive standards, such as prohibiting specific materials (e.g., chain link), requiring specific wood stains, or limiting fence height to 4 feet in all yards. The City does not monitor or enforce private covenants; property owners are responsible for ensuring their project meets both City ordinances and any applicable HOA restrictions.

REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT

Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:

• Installing a fence without an Accessory Structure Permit.
• Constructing a fence in a front yard exceeding 4 feet in height.
• Placement of the “unfinished” side toward the street or neighboring property.
• Obstructing the 25-foot sight triangle on a corner lot.
• Failing to obtain CAB approval for properties in the Historic Design Review Districts.

USING THIS INFORMATION

This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within the City of Conway, South Carolina, based on publicly available materials reviewed as of February 2026.
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 the Planning & Development Department and the Building Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from City of Conway staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.