A guide to Nevada fence laws
In the state of Nevada, fences are regulated by cities and counties, not the state.
Written by Lynell Spencer
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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In
Nevada
, there are no state laws regulating the construction and maintenance of fences. Many cities and counties have developed their own regulations, though, so you will want to check with your local government before building a fence on your property. Nevada is home to varied landscapes that include large cities, suburbs, and vast desert and rural properties, so it makes sense that state lawmakers have decided to leave fence regulations to local governments who know the needs of their residents best.
If you live in Nevada, your best bet will be to check in with your county government website to find out what you need to know before building. But never fear—home and
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What is Nevada fence law?
There are very few state laws that regulate fences in the state of Nevada. In most cases, individual cities and counties are responsible for creating their own laws.
One state-wide regulation concerns livestock. Nevada is an open grazing law state, or a “fence out” state. This means that landowners are responsible for building a fence if they want to keep animals off of their land.
If an animal wanders onto unfenced land, the animal’s owner is not liable for any damage.
Boundaries and property lines
While there are few fence laws at the state level, there are still rules governing property boundaries. For instance, encroaching trees and foliage can be trimmed back to the property line, but purposeful damage to trees is against the law.
Spite fences
If a fence is constructed for no reason other than to annoy a neighbor, the fence owner can be sued for public nuisance.
A spite fence is usually more of an obstruction than a boundary, often unsightly and unnecessary.
Key Takeaway Nevada state law does not regulate fences, but local governments do.
Does Nevada law require fences?
In short, no. Fencing your property is not required in the state of Nevada. If you wish to build a fence, though, there are likely local regulations about fence height, materials, and spacing.
It is also important to note that while fences are not required, you are still required to respect and maintain the boundaries of your property—if any damage is caused by trees, plants, or animals crossing property lines, you will be liable.
How to legally build a fence in Nevada
The first thing you want to do is find out about city or county ordinances to see if there is anything about fences. In many Nevada counties, (like Clark County, for example) you are required to get a permit before you build.
Here are a few examples of fencing laws within the state:
- In Las Vegas, you do not need a permit, as long as your fence is under 6’ tall.
- In Washoe County, no permit is required for range fencing (made from t-bar and wire), but other types of fences require a permit.
- In Carson City, permits are not required, as long as your fence meets the city’s height and materials guidelines.
As you can see, there is a range of local regulations, so make sure you know the rules where you live.
Does homeowners insurance cover fences?
In nearly all cases, your homeowners insurance policy covers your home and the other structures on your property. This includes fences, sheds, greenhouses, and more. So whatever your house is protected from, your fence should be too.
Your homeowners policy either names the perils that are covered or the perils that are excluded from your coverage. Make sure you know what they are!
For example, flood and earthquake damage are never included in standard home insurance policies—many homeowners don't know this until they experience a disaster and have their claim denied.
How to save money on homeowners insurance in Nevada
There are a few great ways to save money on home and car insurance in Nevada. You can bundle policies, take advantage of discounts and incentives, and shop around to find the best deals.
If you’d rather leave the hard work of gathering quotes to someone else, use
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FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Nevada?
Some counties in Nevada require a permit and others do not. Your best bet is to check with the local government where you reside.
Whether a permit is required, you will still need to make sure your fence is within the county’s height requirements.
Can my neighbor make me pay for a fence in Nevada?
No. Your neighbor can build a fence on the boundary of their property if they so desire, but you are not responsible for any portion of its construction or upkeep.
Can I build an 8-foot fence in Nevada?
There is no state law preventing you from building an 8-foot fence, as long as it is not deemed a public nuisance. Your fence is considered a public nuisance if it interferes with your neighbor’s ability to enjoy their property.
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