FAQs • Brooklyn, OH • CivicEngage

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Where is my building line?: If your block has been developed with a substantially uniform home set-back from the street, the building line is the uniform front foundation line. Contact the Brooklyn Building Department at 216-635-4203 for further information.

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Building - Fences (General)

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1. Can I build my fence on the property line?: No, the fence can be built up to but not on the property line in the rear yard.

2. Can I extend my fence to my neighbor's garage?

Yes, but you will need to have:

Your neighbor provide a signed permission form (available at the Building Department or online) giving you permission to construct their portion of the fence that is on their property.
It will require 2 permits (yours and theirs). Second permit fee will be waived if fence is less than 10 feet long on neighbor’s property.

Visit the Building Forms page to access relevant application forms.

3. Can I run the fence down to the public sidewalk in my front yard?: No, the fence must stop at the front building line. For more information, view the Decorative Fence FAQs.

4. What is a building line?: Every street has a predetermined building line in the front yard of which no structure can encroach without seeking a variance.

5. Where is my building line?: If your block has been developed with a substantially uniform home set-back from the street, the building line is the uniform front foundation line. Contact the Brooklyn Building Department at 216-635-4203 for further information.

6. I own a corner property, my house faces one street but I enter my garage from another street. I want to enclose my entire backyard with a wood fence. Can I do that?: All of the backyard can be enclosed with the exception of an 8 foot triangular area where the driveway meets the public sidewalk. The balance of the fence must be set back from the public sidewalk a minimum of 2 feet.

7. How high can my fence be?: The maximum height for a residential fence is 6 feet.

8. How deep do I have to dig the postholes?

There are no requirements, but the following is recommended:

Wood and plastic fences: 3 feet minimum
Metal chain link fences: 2 feet minimum

9. Does the 'good' side of a fence have to face my neighbor's yard and public streets?: Yes.

10. Do I need a permit to construct a fence?: Yes. To access the necessary applications, visit the Building Forms page.