Fence & Building Permits

CONTACT: Suzanna Stoll
City of Woodlawn Park
(Fence and Building Permits)
Email: sstoll@woodlawnpark.com

Phone: 502-693-0044

Fencing FAQ's

Do I need a fence permit if I am replacing an existing fence?
Yes, per Section 2 Paragraph A, any person desiring to construct a fence, boundary or privacy area screen shall submit their request to the person responsible for issuing fence permits.

How do I know who that I submit a fence permit request to?
See contact info above you can also contact the city at 895-6620.

Does a resident need a Woodlawn Park permit for a deck, garage or a driveway addition/extension?
No, you would not need to obtain a permit with WP, however, a garage and a deck would need a permit issued by Louisville Metro. It is highly suggested that all residents obtain a property survey to ensure you are not encroaching on your neighbor's land.

What happens if I neglect to get a permit and I have completed the fence project?
Per Section 4, you are in violation of the Ordinance and can be fined. Fines for uncontested violations are $25 for the 1st offense, $50 for the 2nd offense and all others are $100. Fines for contested violations are $75 for the 1st offense, $150 for the 2nd and all others are $300. Continuing violations shall be considered a separate offense for each day the violation continues following a Code Enforcement Board Order.

Steps for correcting the infraction:

  • Send a $10.00 check to the City of Woodlawn Park with a permit request and fence design drawing immediately to avoid being turned over to the Code Enforcement Board. Provided that the fence design is in compliance, the permit may be provided without further action.
  • If the fence is not in compliance, a variance can be requested of the council at a regularly scheduled council meeting. It should be noted that the council has 30 days to review the request. If the variance is not granted, the matter is turned over to the Code Enforcement Board and the property owner is directed as to the modifications and allotted timeframe required to get the fence into compliance. If this timeframe passes without corrective action, fines are imposed.

How long does it take to get a fence permit issued?

  • Per Section 2, paragraph A, a fence permit will be issued within 30 days after receipt of the $10.00 fee, permit request, and concise fence drawing, and if it is determined that the request is in compliance with the provisions of the fence ordinance. The construction permit will be issued to the applicant and signed by both parties. A copy is kept for WP records.
  • If the request is not in compliance with the provisions of the fence ordinance, the applicant will not be granted a permit.

What if the permit request is not granted because the design is not in compliance with the fence ordinance?
Per Section 2, Paragraph E, the applicant has the opportunity to submit their request in front of the council for a possible variance. The council will make a decision no later than the following council meeting.

What happens if I built a fence on an existing easement?
Per Section 2, Paragraph C, the fence will need to be removed immediately upon request of the city or owner of the easement.

What happens if I built a privacy fence with the posts, supports and braces on the outside of the fence?
Per Section 2, Paragraph B, the fence is not in compliance with the provisions of the ordinance and the fence must be modified to be in compliance in order to avoid fines.

How long is a fence permit valid?
Per Section 2, Paragraph F, the permit is valid for 60 days and may be renewed for an additional 60 days.

Does the permit cover disputes over property boundaries?
No, the ordinance governs fence design only; boundary disputes must be resolved between the property owners.

When was the fence ordinance first adopted?
The first fence ordinance was adopted in 1976. A fee was established in 1981. The ordinance was subsequently amended to permit enforcement by the Code Enforcement Board.