Brecksville fence height rules
In Brecksville, Ohio, a residential fence can be up to 4 feet tall and has to sit in the side or rear yard, behind the front of the house. Want 5 or 6 feet, or a gate out front? You need a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Since April 12, 2021 the board has heard 47 fence requests and said yes to 37.
What the code says
The height and location rule is Section 1185.03(a) of the city’s Planning and Zoning Code. For a regular (interior) lot:
Fences and walls on interior lots within residential areas may be permitted within one (1) foot of any rear lot line or side lot line to the front building line to a height not to exceed four (4) feet from the existing grade. No fences or walls may extend into the front yard beyond the building setback line.Brecksville Codified Ordinances, Section 1185.03(a)
The city’s own handout puts it more simply: “The maximum permitted height for a fence is 4’. The fence can be located in the side and rear yard (from front wall of house to rear lot line).” Fences are not allowed in the city right-of-way.
- Corner lots are stricter. Where a side or rear yard touches a street, fences are prohibited except a split rail or post and rail fence up to 3 feet (Section 1185.03(b)).
- Fence type matters too. Section 1185.02(a) lists what is allowed in residential areas: chain link, board on board, picket, split rail, post and rail, post and board, paddock, corral, wrought iron, open ornamental and basket weave, plus decorative brick or stone walls. Section 1185.02(d) says anything not on that list “is prohibited.” That is why a solid vinyl privacy fence needs its own variance on top of the height one. The handout marks stockade and solid board fences “not permitted.”
- Pool fences are a separate section. In the July 2026 minutes the board’s motion for a fence around a pool area cites Section 1323.03 and its own 4-foot maximum, and at the June hearing the building official told the board a 6-foot fence is permitted when it sits at least 40 feet from the property line (as recorded in the June 8, 2026 minutes). Ask the building department which section applies to you.
Code text is from the city’s published code PDF, 2023 supplement (local legislation current through December 20, 2022). Confirm the current text with the Building Department, 440-526-2630.
Every fence decision in the record
All 47 fence and gate requests the board has decided since we started reading its minutes in December 2020 (the first fence decision came on April 12, 2021). 37 were approved. Click a case ID to read the minutes.
August 10, 2026 · 8700 Riverview Rd
6' fence and a front-yard gate. Code says 4', back yard only.
Said: security; drivers using the driveway as a through street; neighbors had no objection.
Tapered design kept the center of the gate at 4'.
approved6–0July 13, 2026 · 6741 Wallings Rd
6' driveway gate out front, cut to 5' in the room.
Said: delivery trucks driving to the back of the house; near misses by the residence.
The board asked for 4'; the applicants agreed to 5' on the spot.
approved4–2, 6–0July 13, 2026 · 9555 Reserve Run
6' fence on part of the yard. Code says 4'.
Said: a large German Shepherd; the vet said 4' would not hold him; deer and turkeys crossing the yard.
Second try, narrower ask, with photos and documentation the board called thorough. Denied a month earlier.
approved4–2July 13, 2026 · 10905 Greenhaven Pkwy
6' solid vinyl fence. Code says 4', and no solid vinyl.
Said: pets; privacy; white vinyl is cheaper and lasts longer.
A neighbor objected in writing.
denied1–5June 8, 2026 · 9555 Reserve Run
6' fence, 480 feet of it. Code says 4'.
Said: the dog; wildlife; safety.
The fence company presented. The homeowner came back himself in July.
denied2–3June 8, 2026 · 6590 Summer Wind Dr
6' aluminum fence, 295 feet. Code says 4'.
Said: privacy; the neighboring property's use; the shape of the lot; an existing non-conforming fence.
Two members were absent; three ayes was not enough. It is back on the September agenda.
denied3–2April 13, 2026 · 3340 Royalton Rd
6' solid vinyl fence, 190 feet. Code says 4', no vinyl.
Said: pets; privacy; safety; road noise.
Height passed unanimously; the vinyl passed 5-2.
approved7–0, 5–2April 13, 2026 · 7548 Winding Way
6' wood fence, 100 feet. Code says 4'.
Said: privacy; the lay of the lot; matching an existing fence.
A neighbor supported it.
approved7–0April 13, 2026 · Winding Way, adjacent lot
6' fence between two yards, 30 feet. Code says 4'.
Said: safety; similar terrain on both lots.
approved7–0March 9, 2026 · 8443 Riverview Rd
5' iron fence. Code says 4'.
Said: family safety; dogs; keeping wildlife out of the yard.
Approved with conditions. A neighbor spoke against it.
approved6–0December 8, 2025 · 11703 Chippewa Rd.
The request of Don Sylvis for (1) a variance from Section | 185.03(a) 4' maximum fence height to allow for 6', (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to allow a stockade privacy type fence (nota permitted type) for approximately 230 linear ft., in the rear yard
Said: .
approved6–1September 8, 2025 · 6726 Greenbrier Dr.
Janine Andrzejewski & Jill Schissler - Approval of a variance from Section l 183.03(a) 4' maximum fence height to allow for 6' for approximately 25 linear ft. of basket weave fence
Said: privacy; the lot itself; an existing structure.
approved5–1August 11, 2025 · 10056 Barr Rd.
A variance from Section 1323.03 that requires at least a 4’ fence around a pool to allow for a pool auto cover
Said: privacy; safety; the lot itself.
approved0–5, 5–0August 11, 2025 · 10902 Brookview Dr.
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum 4’ fence height to allow 6’ in the rear yard
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
approved4–1, 0–5July 7, 2025 · 11401 Snowville Road
A variance from Section 1185.03 (a) to allow a 4’ tall post and rail fence around the pond in the front yard (not allowed)
Said: safety.
approved7–0July 7, 2025 · 6714 Westview Dr
A variance from Section 1183.03(a) 4’ maximum fence height to allow 5’ for a chain link fence
Said: a dog or other pet; safety; the lot itself.
approved5–2February 10, 2025 · 8200 Snowville Rd
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(c) maximum fence height 6 ft. to allow 9 ft. and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(c) prohibiting barbed wire fencing to allow | ft. along with 8 ft. tall chain link for approximately 280 linear ft
Said: safety; an existing structure.
approved6–0January 13, 2025 · 6101 W Snowville Rd
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(c) maximum fence height 6 ft. to allow 8 ft. and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(c) prohibiting barbed wire fencing to allow 1 ft along with 7 ft tall chain link
Said: safety.
approved7–0January 13, 2025 · 6488 Summer Wind Dr
A variance from Section 1185.02(d) to allow solid type of fencing (not allowed) for the screening of pool equipment
Said: privacy.
approved6–0November 12, 2024 · 10417 Chippewa Rd
Justin Klubnik Appeal 2024-39 made by Justin Klubnik for a variance from Section l 185 .03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft to allow 6 ft for approximately 55 linear ft of post and board fence
Said: a dog or other pet; privacy; safety; what the property borders; the lot itself; an existing structure.
approved6–0November 12, 2024 · 6561 Queens Way
Mr. Collin moved and Mr. Stucky seconded that the Board recommend and forward to City Council for their consideration, Appeal 2024-42 made by William Tierney on behalf of Ernesto and Annela Vizcarra for a variance from Section 1185.03(b) to allow 4 ft tall ornamental fencing in front of the building line on a corner lo
Said: the lot itself; an existing structure.
approved6–0July 8, 2024 · 6867 Oakes Road
The request of Richard and Cynthia Habig for a variance from Section 1185.03(a) that the maximum permitted fence height be 4’ to allow 6’ as shown on the application dated June 19, 2024, located at 6867 Oakes Road, PPN 603-08-072
Said: a dog or other pet; privacy; safety; the lot itself.
approved4–3June 10, 2024 · 7849 Oakhurst Circle
The request of Randall Keller for a variance from Section 1185.02(d) that solid board fences not be permitted to permit a solid board fence and from Section 1185.03(a) that the maximum permitted fence height be 4 ft to allow 6 ft, as shown on the application dated May 3, 2024, located at 7849 Oakhurst Circle, PPN 602-0
Said: privacy; safety; the lot itself.
approved5–1May 13, 2024 · 9515 Greystone Parkway
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) that the maximum permitted fence height be 4 ft. to allow 5 ft
Said: a dog or other pet.
approved5–1May 13, 2024 · 7110 Ashlawn Drive
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) that the maximum permitted fence height be 4 ft. to allow 6 ft
Said: privacy; cost or durability.
denied2–4March 11, 2024 · 8968 Elm St.
A variance from Section 1185.02(d) to allow solid type of fencing (not allowed) located at 8968 Elm St., PP# 601-34-051
Said: .
approved5–1March 11, 2024 · 6589 Glen Coe Dr.
A variance from Section 1185.03(b) to allow a 4 ft. ornamental fence in front of the building line on a corner lot as shown on the drawing dated February 2, 2024, (not allowed) located at 6589 Glen Coe Dr. PP#603-18-033
Said: the lot itself.
approved7–0September 11, 2023 · 11535 Cherokee Lane
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow 8 ft. and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to install a solid wood board fence instead of the permitted types of fence
Said: deer and wildlife; privacy.
denied0–6September 11, 2023 · 7636 Amber Lane
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow 8 ft. and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to allow a solid vinyl fence instead of the permitted types for a replacement fence
Said: the lot itself; an existing structure; cost or durability.
denied0–5September 11, 2023 · 6859 Farview Road
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow a 6 ft. fence
Said: privacy; safety.
denied2–4August 7, 2023 · 7782 Grenadier Lane
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow 6 ft. for a replacement fence
Said: a dog or other pet; safety; an existing structure.
approved7–0July 10, 2023 · 8261 Brecksville Road
A variance from Section 1185.03 (a) no fence may extend into the front yard, to allow for a split rail fence at the front lot line
Said: deer and wildlife; safety; cost or durability.
denied3–3May 8, 2023 · 8395 Timber Trail
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow 6 ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1185.03(b) to allow a 6 ft. fence in front of the building line on a corner lot (not allowed) at 8395 Timber Trail, PP# 601-21-057
Said: deer and wildlife; the lot itself.
approved5–0April 10, 2023 · 4582 Windstream Court
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow 6 ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to install a replacement solid board type fence instead of the permitted types of fence
Said: an existing structure.
approved7–0April 10, 2023 · 9924 Lookout Drive
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow a 6 ft. replacement fence
Said: a dog or other pet; privacy; noise; an existing structure.
approved7–0March 13, 2023 · 11500 Cherokee Lane
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow a 6 ft. fence height, and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to install a solid vinyl type fence instead of the permitted types of fence
Said: a dog or other pet; deer and wildlife; privacy; safety; cost or durability.
denied0–7February 13, 2023 · 13161 Chippewa Road
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft., to allow a 6 ft. fence height, and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to install a solid board type fence instead of the permitted types of fence, and (3) a variance from Section 1151.23(4)(b) to allow a fence to be located in, other than the rea
Said: privacy; safety; what the property borders; the lot itself; cost or durability.
approved4–1December 12, 2022 · 8568 Brecksville Road
Rachel Eastman for a variance from Section 1185.03(b), maximum 3 ft. split rail fence to allow a 4 ft. tall white vinyl picket fence in front of the building line on a corner lot
Said: a dog or other pet; safety; what the property borders; the lot itself.
approved7–0October 10, 2022 · 8289 Brecksville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a), maximum fence height of 4 ft. to allow 6 ft., and (2) a variance from Section 1185.02(d) to install a welded wire fence instead of the permitted types of fencing, shown on the drawing dated September 20, 2022
Said: a dog or other pet; safety; what the property borders; the lot itself; cost or durability.
approved5–2October 10, 2022 · 8066 Farview Oval
A variance from Section 1185.02(d) to install a hog wire type of fence instead of the permitted types of fencing
Said: deer and wildlife.
approved7–0May 9, 2022 · 3719 Oakes Road
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft. to allow 6 ft
Said: privacy; the lot itself.
denied0–6April 11, 2022 · 9300 Reserve Run
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft. to allow 5 ft
Said: a dog or other pet; deer and wildlife; safety.
approved5–2July 12, 2021 · 6753 Mill Road
A variance from Section 1185.03(b) to install a 4 ft. tall split rail fence, maximum 3 ft. height allowed, on a corner lot
Said: a dog or other pet; safety; the lot itself.
approved5–1July 12, 2021 · 6644 Hawthorne Drive
A variance from Section 1185.03(a) to install a 5 ft. tall picket fence, maximum 4 ft. height allowed
Said: an existing structure.
approved5–0May 10, 2021 · 3719 Boston Road
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03(a) maximum fence height of 4 ft. to allow 6 ft., and (2) an amended variance from Section 1185.02(d) to allow a board on board vinyl fencing (permitted) instead of the solid vinyl fencing originally requested
Said: a dog or other pet; privacy; safety; what the property borders; an existing structure; cost or durability.
approved5–2April 12, 2021 · 7960 Brecksville Road
(1) a variance from Section 1185.03 (a) maximum fence height of 4ft. to allow 6 ft. for a total of 50 lineal feet of fencing
Said: privacy; safety; the lot itself.
approved7–0April 12, 2021 · 9315 Lawnpark Drive
Amended variance to place the fence between the small pine trees and the large pine trees and for (1) a variance from Section 1185.03 of a maximum fence height of four feet to allow five feet and (2) a variance from Section 1185.03 to allow a fence in front of the building line on a through lot not allowed
Said: a dog or other pet; privacy; safety; what the property borders; the lot itself; cost or durability.
approved6–1
What the board heard from the ones that passed
Counts, not odds. With 47 cases, nothing here predicts yours. But the pattern in the minutes is plain: reasons about safety and about the lot itself carried most often; privacy was split; price lost.
- Safety: made in 23 fence cases, 19 of those approved.
- Privacy: made in 21 fence cases, 14 of those approved.
- The lot itself: made in 18 fence cases, 16 of those approved.
- A dog or other pet: made in 13 fence cases, 12 of those approved.
- An existing structure: made in 10 fence cases, 9 of those approved.
- Cost or durability: made in 8 fence cases, 4 of those approved.
- What the property borders: made in 6 fence cases, 6 of those approved.
- Deer and wildlife: made in 6 fence cases, 3 of those approved.
Three other things show up in the approvals. A narrower ask (6 feet on one stretch, not the whole yard). A document behind the claim (a vet’s recommendation, photos of the deer). And the homeowner presenting in person; both requests brought by a fence company alone were denied.
How to ask for a taller fence
- Apply through the city’s Citizenserve portal and file one hard copy of the proposal by the deadline before the next meeting.
- Include a site drawing to scale. Anything larger than 11 by 17 goes in as a PDF.
- The fee is $50 for the first variance on a parcel and $15 for each additional one. Height and type are two variances.
- The board meets at 7:30 PM on the first Monday after the first Tuesday of each month, in the City Hall Council Chambers. Come yourself.
- City Council votes on the board’s recommendation the following Tuesday. Then apply for the fence permit.
Source: the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals page, as of September 2026.
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Sources
- Brecksville Planning and Zoning Code, Chapter 1185 (2023 supplement PDF)
- City of Brecksville, Regulations for Residential Fences (handout)
- City of Brecksville, Board of Zoning Appeals page
- Brecksville BZA minutes, June 8, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, July 13, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, August 10, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, April 13, 2026
- Brecksville BZA minutes, March 9, 2026
Written from public records. This is not legal advice.