Fences and walls in Lincoln: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Lincoln Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Lincoln's code says

Lincoln code What Lincoln's code adds
Front yard height	No more than 4 feet. Applies: Fences, hedges and walls in the front yard. A city encroachment permit may be needed. § 18.36.040 · code text Fences, hedges and walls not exceeding four feet in height may occupy the front yard provided they obtain a city encroachment permit if so required by the city engineer.
Side and rear yard height	No more than 6 feet. Applies: Side, side street or rear yards, not into the front yard. On a corner lot, at least 5 feet from the side street line. § 18.36.040 · code text Fences, hedges and walls not exceeding six feet in height may occupy any side, side street or rear yard area, provided:
Permit	Yes, a city encroachment permit if the city engineer requires it. Applies: Front-yard fences, hedges and walls up to 4 feet. § 18.36.040 · code text Fences, hedges and walls not exceeding four feet in height may occupy the front yard provided they obtain a city encroachment permit if so required by the city engineer.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Lincoln?

City code limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side, side street or rear yards.

Fences and walls in Lincoln

Key points

What Lincoln's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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