Fence permits and rules on the Northshore
A plain-language look at what to check before you put up a fence in Slidell and St. Tammany Parish. This is general guidance, not legal advice, and the rules vary by city, parish, and HOA.
Before a fence goes up, it pays to know the rules for your property. This guide walks through the common ones on the Northshore so you know what to ask about. Keep in mind this is general guidance, not legal advice, and the requirements change by city, parish, and subdivision. Always confirm with your local office before you build. We help you understand what is needed so there are no surprises.
Do you need a permit?
In many areas the answer is yes, and most subdivisions require some form of approval. The rules vary, so a fence that is fine on one street may need a permit a few blocks away. The safest move is to call the office that covers your address and ask directly before you order anything.
Height limits
Height limits are one of the most common rules. They often differ between the front yard and the back yard, with shorter fences allowed near the street and taller ones allowed behind the house. The exact numbers depend on your zoning and your neighborhood, so confirm the limit for your lot rather than assuming.
Setbacks and property lines
Your fence needs to sit on your own property, inside your line. If you are not sure where the line runs, a property survey settles it. We build to your line, but knowing where it is ahead of time keeps the fence clear of your neighbor's land and clear of any required setback from the street or sidewalk.
Corner lots and visibility triangles
Corner lots come with an extra rule. Most areas require a clear view at the corner so drivers can see, which is called a visibility triangle or sight triangle. A fence usually has to stay low or stay back within that area near the intersection. If your lot is on a corner, check this before you plan the layout.
HOA and subdivision approval
If you live in a subdivision, your homeowners association may have its own rules on top of the city or parish. Many neighborhoods around Mandeville and Covington set standards for fence height, style, and material, and some want you to submit your plan for written approval first. Read your HOA documents and ask the board before the work starts.
St. Tammany Parish vs. the city of Slidell
Where your home sits decides which office you deal with. Property inside the city limits of Slidell is handled by the city, while homes in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish go through the parish. The two have separate requirements, so make sure you are talking to the right office for your address before you rely on any answer.
How we help
We build your fence to your property line and help you understand what the job needs, from height to gate placement. You handle the permit and any HOA submission, since those are tied to you as the property owner, but we are glad to talk through the layout so your plan lines up with what your area allows.
Planning your fence?
See what affects pricing in our guide to fence cost, or read the details on each type we install: wood fencing, privacy fencing, and chain link fencing.
Fence permit FAQs
Do I need a permit for a fence in Slidell?
Often, yes. Many areas and most subdivisions want a permit or written approval before a fence goes up, but the rules vary. The city of Slidell and unincorporated St. Tammany Parish are handled by different offices, so the first step is to confirm which one covers your address. Always confirm with your local office before you build.
How tall can a fence be in St. Tammany Parish?
Height limits are common and they often differ between the front yard and the back yard, with shorter fences allowed near the street. The exact numbers depend on your zoning, your subdivision, and where the fence sits on the lot. There is no single answer for everyone, so confirm the limit for your property with your local office before you order materials.
Do I need HOA approval?
If you live in a subdivision with a homeowners association, very likely yes. Many neighborhoods around Mandeville and Covington have rules on fence height, style, and material, and some require you to submit your plan for approval first. Check your HOA documents and ask the board before the work starts.
Who is responsible for the permit?
The property owner submits the permit and any HOA approval. We help you understand what the build needs and we set the fence to your property line, but you handle the paperwork with your local office and your HOA. Confirm the requirements for your address before we start.
Ready to plan your fence?
We serve Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Pearl River, and the rest of the Northshore. Call or email and we will walk the yard with you and talk through what your area allows.