Fence or deck costs in Manchester

Under Manchester's zoning ordinance, in the version in effect since March 1, 2026, no fence, wall or similar barrier goes in without a permit. That applies to a new fence and to rebuilding an old one. In residential districts, a fence can be 4 feet tall in front and street yards, 6 feet along side yards and 8 feet in the rear yard. Posts, columns or light fixtures on top get one extra foot. Fences can go in any yard and may sit inside required setbacks, but they can't cross a lot line or reach into the public right-of-way.

On a sloped lot, the wall rules matter. A fence built on top of a wall that's above grade on one side only is capped at 4 feet, measured from the top of the wall. A retaining wall taller than 4 feet has to stay at least 10 feet from the property line.

For decks, the city's planning and community development department asks for construction details whenever you build, repair or replace a deck or porch on a one- or two-family home. Its sample deck drawing shows the footing going at least 4 feet below finished grade, and a guard at least 3 feet high on any deck 30 inches or more above grade.