FENCE RULES – HORRY (COUNTY), SOUTH CAROLINA
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within the unincorporated areas of Horry County, South Carolina, subject to local regulations.
Unlike many jurisdictions that are silent on design, Horry County enforces distinct rules for “privacy” versus “open” style fences in front and corner yards. Properties located within city limits (such as Myrtle Beach, Conway, or North Myrtle Beach) follow their respective municipal rules instead. Homeowners association (HOA) requirements and private covenants may also apply.
Compiled from the Horry County Zoning Ordinance (Section 412 “Fences and Walls”), the Horry County Land Development Regulations, and the Code Enforcement Department permit guidelines, as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
South Carolina does not publish a statewide residential fence code. For properties located within Horry County’s unincorporated jurisdiction, fence standards are administered by the Horry County Planning & Zoning Department and the Code Enforcement Department.
Fence regulation is addressed through Section 412 of the Zoning Ordinance, which establishes maximum heights by district and strict placement rules for privacy fences. The Department of Building Safety enforces the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for structural permits. County requirements do not override HOA requirements or private covenants.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
For standard residential projects that meet zoning setbacks and height limits, a building permit is often not required, but zoning compliance is mandatory.
A Building Permit is REQUIRED when:
• A fence or wall exceeds 7 feet in height. These structures require a permit and must meet wind load and structural design standards found in the building code.
• A fence constitutes a swimming pool barrier. All pools must be enclosed by a barrier that complies with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted by the County.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with the Horry County Planning & Zoning Department before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
Fence placement is largely determined by the type of fence being installed and its location on the lot. While the County allows flexibility for open-style fences, strict zoning standards apply to privacy walls in front and corner side yards to ensure visibility and neighborhood consistency.
• Privacy Fences: Privacy fences or walls installed in front yards or corner side yards must meet a 10-foot setback from any property line that abuts a road right-of-way or shared private drive.
• Open Style Exemption: Non-privacy fences, defined as split rail, uncluttered chain link, or picket fences with less than 50% opacity, are exempt from these front yard setback requirements.
• Replacements: A legal non-conforming privacy fence may be replaced with a “like type” fence provided it is no higher and extends no further toward the roadway than the original structure.
• Easements and Buffers: Any use requiring a privacy fence must locate the structure internal to any required landscape buffers. Furthermore, the County prohibits blocking drainage structures; drainage maintenance easements must remain accessible and shall not be fenced or obstructed in a way that denies maintenance access.
• 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
Horry County regulates maximum fence height based on the property’s zoning classification. For the majority of residential districts, the maximum permitted height for a fence or wall is eight (8) feet.
In higher-intensity districts (such as AC, HC, LI, AM2, RE4, MA1, MA2, MA3, MI, and HI), the maximum height increases to twelve (12) feet. Regardless of height, no fence, wall, or hedge may be designed in a manner that obstructs the vision of vehicular traffic at any street or driveway intersection.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
The “openness” of a fence is a key regulatory factor in Horry County. To qualify for setback exemptions in front yards, a fence must be constructed of materials like split rail, uncluttered chain link, or pickets that result in less than 50% opacity. Solid privacy fences do not qualify for this exemption.
• Barbed Wire: The Zoning Ordinance does not explicitly prohibit the use of barbed wire in residential districts, though it is typically associated with agricultural or security uses.
• Maintenance: Fences must be maintained in a safe condition. Dilapidated or unstable fences that pose a collapse hazard may be cited under the adopted International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
HOA requirements and private covenants operate independently from Horry County regulations. Private rules may impose fence height, material, placement, or approval requirements that are more restrictive than County standards. County approval or lack of permit requirement does not override private 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:
• A privacy fence is installed in a front or corner yard without observing the 10-foot setback.
• A fence obstructs the vision of vehicular traffic at a street or driveway intersection.
• A fence exceeds 7 feet without a building permit.
• A fence is built within a drainage easement or obstructs stormwater flow.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within unincorporated Horry County, 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 Horry County Planning & Zoning Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Horry County staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.