Fence / Gate Permit Requirements in Lincoln, ND

Small city near Bismarck in Burleigh County. Some permits handled by Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning. North Dakota adopted the 2024 IRC effective January 1, 2026.

Population: 4,502 Code: 2024 Verified: 2026-03-28 5 local rules

When you DON'T need a permit

Backyard fences 6 feet or under do not require a building permit.

Source: City of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

When you DO need a permit

Front-yard fences up to 6 feet may require a permit depending on zoning district.

Estimated fee: $35 – $105

Typical timeline: 4 business days

Source: City of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

Fences over 6 feet tall require a building permit.

Estimated fee: $52 – $157

Typical timeline: About 1 week

Source: City of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

Masonry or concrete fences require a building permit regardless of height.

Estimated fee: $70 – $210

Typical timeline: About 2 weeks

Source: City of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

Fences on corner lots require a permit to ensure sight-triangle compliance.

Estimated fee: $35 – $122

Typical timeline: 4 business days

Source: City of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

Fence / Gate Permit Costs: Lincoln vs. Nearby

Lincoln comes in on the low side for North Dakota. You're looking at $35 – $210 here, compared to the state average of $55 – $170.

CityEstimated Fee
Lincoln $35 – $210
Fargo $50 – $150
Fargo $75 – $225
Fargo $100 – $300

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation.

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

Front-yard fences and fences above certain heights may require zoning approval. Many cities limit front-yard fence height to 3–4 feet. Check setback and height limits with your planning department.

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Building Department Contact

NameCity of Lincoln Building Department
Address2090 E Main St, Lincoln, ND 58504
HoursMon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated permit fees for Fence / Gate projects in Lincoln, ND range from $35 – $105. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Fence / Gate projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in Lincoln can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Fence / Gate permits in Lincoln is 4 business days. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

Learn More About Fence / Gate Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Fence / Gate Guide →

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Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-03-28. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.