Significant Changes to Beachwood Fence Regulations in 2025
Beachwood homeowners now have greater flexibility when installing privacy fences on their properties.
The City of Beachwood officially amended its Planning and Zoning Code on September 15, 2025, introducing significant changes to residential fence regulations that affect single-family homes throughout the community.
What Changed?
The Key Updates Explained
New 6-Foot Privacy Fence Permission
The most significant change to the Beachwood fence regulations allows homeowners to install 6-foot-tall privacy fences in specific locations on their property:
Along Side and Rear Lot Lines:
You can now install privacy fences up to 6 feet in height along your side and rear property boundaries when your neighboring property is also zoned residential (U-1, U-2A, U-3, U-3C, or U-3A districts).
Within the Rear Yard:
Privacy fences up to 6 feet tall are permitted anywhere in your backyard area.
Corner Lot Street Side Yards:
If you own a corner lot, you can install a 6-foot fence along the street-facing side yard, provided it’s at least 12 feet back from the right-of-way line.
When 8-Foot Fences Are Allowed
In situations where your property borders non-residential zoned land (commercial, office, or industrial areas), you’re permitted to install even taller fences—up to 8 feet in height—along those shared boundaries.
Front Yard Fence Restrictions Remain
While backyard privacy fence rules have been relaxed, front yard regulations remain more restrictive to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and visibility:
- Ornamental fences only in front yards
- Maximum 4-foot height limitation
- Must be positioned at least 10 feet from the front property line
- Cannot be closer to side lot lines than your home’s foundation wall
What Types of Fences Are Permitted?
Beachwood maintains quality standards for fence materials and construction:
Approved Materials:
- Wood
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Vinyl (must meet specific ASTM standards for UV resistance and impact)
Prohibited Fences:
- Barbed wire
- Electric fences
- Chain-link made from wire smaller than #11 AWG gauge
- Fences that aren’t uniform in color, material, and design
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes, most fence installations require a building permit from the Building Commissioner before construction begins.
Permit Required For:
- All new fence installations
- Fence replacements
- Any fence except temporary snow fences or small garden fences (under 200 square feet)
Application Process:
- Submit your fence plan to the Building Commissioner
- Receive approval before starting construction
- Ensure your fence design meets all current code requirements
Important Design and Placement Rules
The “Good Neighbor” Rule
You must design your fence so that the finished, attractive side faces your neighbor. If your fence doesn’t have a distinct “back” side, it must look equally attractive from both sides.
Setback Requirements
- Fences may be placed adjacent to the property line
- Fences cannot be placed directly on the property line
- Must be set back at least 2 feet from side lot lines for driveways and patios
Corner Lot Visibility
For safety reasons, corner lot fences cannot exceed 3 feet in height within the triangular visibility area (25 feet from the intersection point) to ensure drivers have clear sight lines.
Maintenance Requirements Matter
The new Beachwood fence regulations don’t just regulate new fences—it also requires ongoing maintenance:
Property owners must:
- Replace or repair rusted or rotted components
- Re-paint or re-stain faded, cracked, or peeling surfaces
- Repair or replace loose, bent, bowed, or leaning sections
Nonconforming Fences:
If you have an older fence that doesn’t meet current standards, you can maintain and repair it.
However, if more than 50% requires replacement or if it’s destroyed, you’ll need to replace it with a fence that meets current code requirements.
Why These Changes Matter for Beachwood Homeowners
The updated Beachwood fence regulations strikes a balance between the privacy needs of homeowners and the attractive character of Beachwood’s residential neighborhoods.
The changes specifically address:
- Enhanced Privacy:
Six-foot fences provide more effective privacy screening for outdoor living spaces - Property Values:
Clear, modern standards help maintain consistent neighborhood aesthetics - Flexibility:
Homeowners have more options for creating private, functional outdoor spaces - Clarity:
Updated regulations eliminate confusion about what’s permitted
Partner with Beachwood’s Leading Fence Experts
Why Choose Acme Fence for Your Beachwood Fence Project
When it comes to installing a fence that meets Beachwood’s updated ordinances, working with experienced professionals makes all the difference.
Acme Fence is the premier fencing company serving Beachwood homeowners, with extensive knowledge of local regulations and a proven track record of high-quality installations.
What Sets Acme Fence Apart:
- Local Code Expertise:
Our team stays current on all Beachwood zoning regulations and permit requirements, ensuring your fence project is compliant from day one - Permit Assistance:
We help navigate the Building Commissioner’s approval process, preparing proper documentation and specifications - Quality Materials:
We use only approved materials that meet Beachwood’s standards—wood, steel, aluminum, and UV-resistant vinyl - Design Consultation:
Our experts help you maximize your privacy while respecting setback requirements and neighborhood aesthetics - “Good Neighbor” Installation:
We ensure your fence meets the city’s requirement that the finished side faces your neighbor - Full-Service Solutions:
From initial design through final installation and maintenance, we handle every aspect of your project including aquiring the necessary permits on your behalf.
Thinking about privacy fencing options?
Explore our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Privacy Fencing to discover various styles, materials, and design considerations that comply with Beachwood’s regulations.
Acme Fence Material Options for Beachwood Homes
Choosing the right fence material is crucial for both compliance and long-term satisfaction.
Acme Fence offers a complete range of Beachwood-approved materials, each with unique benefits:
- Classic, natural aesthetic that complements Beachwood’s traditional architecture
- Available in our hand-selected cedar wood. Grown at high altitudes for dense grain, this weather and insect-resistant wood is smooth-sawn, precision-trimmed and finished on three sides.
- Perfect for 6-foot privacy fences with board-on-board or solid panel designs
- Can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior
- Offers maximum privacy and sound buffering
- Low-maintenance alternative that never needs painting or staining
- Meets Beachwood’s strict ASTM D638 standards for impact resistance and UV stabilization
- Won’t rot, warp, or deteriorate over time
- Available in various colors and styles, including privacy and semi-privacy designs
- Excellent long-term value with minimal upkeep requirements
- Elegant ornamental option perfect for front yards (4-foot height limit)
- Rust-resistant and extremely durable
- Available in decorative styles that enhance curb appeal
- Requires virtually no maintenance
- Ideal for pool enclosures and decorative borders
- Acme’s standard residential chain link is made from #11 gauge wire—meeting Beachwood’s minimum requirement
- Cost-effective solution for pet containment and property boundaries
- Available with vinyl coating in various colors for improved aesthetics
- Can be enhanced with privacy slats for additional screening
- Excellent for larger properties or non-front yard applications
Which Material Is Right for Your Project?
Our fence experts will help you select the ideal material based on:
- Your specific privacy and security needs
- Budget considerations
- Maintenance preferences
- Aesthetic goals and neighborhood character
- Beachwood code requirements for your property location
How Acme Fence Helps You Achieve Your Privacy Goals
With Beachwood’s new 6-foot privacy fence allowance, you have more options than ever to create a secluded outdoor retreat.
Acme Fence specializes in:
- Custom 6-foot privacy fence designs that maximize your backyard privacy
- Strategic placement along side and rear lot lines for optimal screening
- Corner lot installations that meet the 12-foot setback requirements
- Blending functionality with aesthetics to maintain your property value
- Durable construction that meets Beachwood’s maintenance standards
Our experienced team has completed hundreds of fence installations throughout Beachwood and understands the unique characteristics of neighborhoods across both A-1 and A-2 area districts.
Planning Your Fence Project
Before starting your fence installation:
- Verify your property boundaries with a survey if needed
- Check your specific zoning designation (A-1 or A-2 area district)
- Review your property’s lot configuration (interior lot vs. corner lot)
- Contact Acme Fence for a free consultation and code-compliant design
- Please work with us to prepare your building permit application with proper specifications
- Ensure your chosen materials and design comply with current standards
Ready to Get Started?
The new Beachwood fence regulations and ordinances makes it easier than ever for Beachwood homeowners to enhance their privacy and outdoor living spaces.
Whether you’re planning a new installation or replacing an existing fence, understanding these updated regulations—and partnering with the right fence company—will ensure your project goes smoothly and stays compliant.
Contact Acme Fence today for a free consultation and let us help you design and install the perfect privacy fence for your Beachwood home.
Our team will guide you through every step, from initial planning and permit applications to professional installation and beyond.
For additional questions about the new Beachwood fence regulations, you can also contact:
- Beachwood Building Department for permit applications and code interpretation
- Beachwood Planning and Zoning Commission for special circumstances or variances