Buyer's guide · Permits & rules

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.

Wood fence beside a residential yard
Structure Spec Check Rules Before Building

Before a fence goes up, confirm the rules for the property. This guide explains common questions and links to official sources, but it is general information rather than legal advice. Requirements can change and may differ by jurisdiction, zoning, lot position, subdivision, and proposed design.

Last reviewed September 3, 2026. Confirm the current requirements directly with the office responsible for your address.

Do you need a permit?

The City of Slidell states that a fence permit is required for a new fence and may be required for modifications. Outside city limits, confirm the current St. Tammany Parish process for the property. HOA approval is separate from a government permit and depends on the subdivision documents.

Height limits

Height limits may differ by jurisdiction, zoning, lot position, fence opacity, and neighborhood rules. The City of Slidell fence application includes specific front-yard and corner-lot restrictions, but homeowners should verify the current rules for their address rather than treating one example as universal.

Setbacks and property lines

The proposed fence should remain within the property and comply with any applicable right-of-way or setback rules. If the boundary is uncertain, use a current survey or consult a licensed surveyor; a visual estimate is not a substitute for establishing a legal property line.

Corner lots and visibility triangles

Corner and driveway locations can have clear-vision requirements intended to protect sightlines. Both the City of Slidell fence application and St. Tammany Parish development code address visibility, but the applicable measurements and allowed fence type must be confirmed for the property.

HOA and subdivision approval

A homeowners association may have private rules in addition to city or parish requirements. Review the current covenants for the property and obtain any required written approval before installation.

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 measure the proposed route and plan the fence around the property conditions and requirements the homeowner provides. Permit and HOA responsibilities should be confirmed with the relevant office and in the project agreement before work begins.

Official resources

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.

Common questions

Fence permit FAQs

Do I need a permit for a fence in Slidell?

The City of Slidell says a fence permit is required for a new fence and may be required for modifications. Properties outside the city may follow different St. Tammany Parish requirements, so confirm which office has jurisdiction over the address.

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?

It depends on your recorded covenants and current HOA rules. Check the documents for your property and obtain any required written approval before installation.

Who is responsible for the permit?

Confirm responsibility with the permitting office and in your project agreement. The City of Slidell application allows the applicant to be the property owner or fence contractor, and the property owner must sign when someone else applies.

Free on-site estimates

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.