Why This Matters

Installing a fence is a big investment in your property—whether it’s for privacy, security, aesthetics or pet containment. But in Oklahoma, it’s not just about choosing style and material. You also need to follow state and local laws regarding property lines, maintenance, permits, height/location restrictions, and neighbor responsibilities. Doing so helps avoid disputes, fines or having to re-move the fence later.

Key Legal Concepts

Here are foundational legal rules that apply statewide in Oklahoma (in addition to city/county rules):

• Under 60 O.S. § 70 , adjoining property owners (coterminous owners) are equally bound to maintain the boundary fence between them—unless one chooses to leave their land open, in which case if they later enclose it they must refund the other owner a just portion of the value of any division fence.
• Under 4 O.S. § 150.1 , if a surveyor’s boundary line shows a fence is across the property line (or you want to install/improve across a boundary), you must notify your neighbor with a copy of the survey and nature of the relief requested before proceeding.
• Just because a fence is present doesn’t mean it marks the true property line. According to the Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors: “A fence may mark a boundary but more often it doesn’t”.
• If a boundary fence is damaged, Oklahoma law states both neighbors share equal responsibility for repair—unless one party caused the damage or the fence is wholly on one person’s land.

Permits, Height & Location Rules – What to Know

These are general guidelines. Always check your specific city or county for exact requirements.

Permits

• In Oklahoma City: A permit is required to construct, install, alter or repair a fence on your property.
• In Midwest City: A permit is required for new fences or moving an existing fence; if you are just replacing material with the same type, then no permit may be required.
• In Tulsa: All fences and walls require permits. For residential: up to 8 ft in side/back and 4 ft front yard; fences taller than 7 ft require a building permit.
• In Owasso: No permit required for just a fence installation in many cases; but height limits still apply (8 ft rear, 4 ft front yard).
• In Broken Arrow: All fences and walls require permits. For residential: fences must be at least 6ft in height, and up to a maximum of 8ft in height. A fence plan showing compliance may be required. 

Height & Location Limits

• Backyards or side yards (non-street facing): Often up to 8 ft in many cities (Tulsa, Midwest City) – check local zoning.
• Front yard or street-facing side: Many cities limit to 4 ft maximum height.
• Corner lots or lots with double frontage: special restrictions apply because of sight-distance triangles and visibility from the street. (See Tulsa FAQs.) 

Materials & Other Restrictions

• Some cities restrict materials if they affect visibility, drainage or are in special zones (historic districts). (Tulsa: no specific design/material requirement unless screening/wall required; but barbed-wire, razor-wire, electric fences are regulated.)
• The fence must not obstruct the sight triangle at intersections (for traffic safety). Example: Yukon, OK requires unobstructed area in a triangle near corner lots.

What This Means for Your Project With Value Fence Tulsa

• Prior to installation: we can help you confirm local permit requirements in your city or county.
• We’ll map the location of your fence: verify property line (you may need a survey) & check front/side/back yard classification.
• If you’re replacing an existing fence: we’ll check whether the permit can be waived (some cities allow replacing “like with like” without new permit).
• We’ll ensure your fence meets local requirements and best practice so it adds value—not a headache.

Common Questions & Tips

• Do I need a survey to do a fence? It’s not always required, but strongly recommended. Since a fence built even 1 inch over the property line can lead to a neighbor dispute, a survey gives peace of mind. Find a surveyor near you.
• What if my neighbor built a fence on the line previously? Past fence placement doesn’t automatically establish the boundary line in Oklahoma. The law still treats fence location separately from legal property line.
• What happens if the fence doesn’t have a permit? You may face fines, be required to apply for a retroactive permit, or possibly remove or alter the fence to comply. Example: Oklahoma City warns that building without permit can lead to forced removal.
• Who maintains a fence shared with neighbor? If a fence is directly on or within five feet of the property line, both owners share responsibility unless there’s written agreement otherwise.

Our Promise at Value Fence Tulsa

At Value Fence Tulsa LLC, we commit to:

• Providing you a clear breakdown of local rules and how they apply to your specific lot in the Tulsa area.
• Handling the paperwork or guiding you through the permit process so you’re clear on what’s required.
• Building the fence to meet both aesthetic and regulatory requirements—so it adds value and peace of mind.
• Respecting property lines, setback rules, visibility/sight-triangle laws, drainage and easements.
• Being your local partner: we know what the Tulsa area cities expect and we’ll ensure your project is compliant.

Want to Learn More or Start Your Fence Project?

Contact us at Value Fence Tulsa for a free estimate. We’ll review your lot, discuss your goals, walk you through permit requirements, and build a plan customized for your property. Your fence should be stress-free—let us handle the rules so you can enjoy the result.