Fence Permit Rules in Ascension Parish — What Homeowners Need to Know Before They Build

If you're planning a new fence in Ascension Parish, one of the first questions to ask is whether you need a permit. The short answer is yes — in most cases a fence permit is required before construction begins.

I'm Jay Davis, owner of Legend Fence in Prairieville. We install fences throughout Ascension Parish every week and we deal with permit questions on almost every job. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what you need to know.

Is a Fence Permit Required in Ascension Parish?

Yes. Ascension Parish requires a fence permit before construction of any fence or wall. The parish lists a specific Fence Permit application under Building Department documents on their official website. This applies to residential and commercial properties throughout unincorporated Ascension Parish.

The permit fee is currently $25 — one of the lowest permit fees you'll find anywhere in Louisiana.

Who Can Apply for the Permit?

Only the property owner or a licensed fence contractor can apply for an Ascension Parish fence permit. At Legend Fence we are a licensed fence contractor and can advise on the permit process during your free estimate.

What Do You Need to Submit?

Ascension Parish requires a plot plan drawn to scale showing the fence location, property lines, servitudes, property address, lot number and subdivision if applicable, and any streets the property fronts.

Corner lots have an additional requirement — fences cannot be built within the sight triangle at intersections. This catches a lot of homeowners off guard so it's worth checking your lot layout before planning your fence line.

Where Can You NOT Place a Fence?

This is where most permit problems happen. Ascension Parish does not allow fences or walls within servitudes or rights-of-way, and fences cannot impede drainage or be placed within a required sight triangle.

Even if a fence location looks fine visually, underground drainage easements and utility servitudes may restrict where posts can go. We check this on every estimate — a post in the wrong location can create serious headaches down the road.

Fence Height Limits in Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish's Unified Land Development Code establishes these general height limits:

Front yard fences — up to 4 feet Interior side yard fences — up to 6 feet Rear yard fences — up to 8 feet Exterior side yard fences on corner lots adjacent to a street — up to 6 feet

These are general limits — zoning, lot layout, and street frontage can all affect what's allowed on your specific property. Corner lots and properties with unusual layouts should confirm requirements before installation.

What Fence Materials Are Allowed in Ascension Parish?

Ascension Parish permits the following materials: wood, vinyl, brick, stucco, decorative concrete block, metal including wrought iron, and chain link in some situations.

Prohibited materials include plywood, corrugated metal, electrically charged fences except for agricultural purposes, barbed wire unless specifically approved, chicken wire along a property perimeter except for limited internal uses, and chain link along frontages facing an arterial road in the Major Street Plan.

At Legend Fence all of our standard materials — cedar wood, Country Estates vinyl, Antebellum aluminum, Ameristar ornamental iron, and galvanized chain-link — are permitted materials in Ascension Parish.

What About HOA Restrictions?

Ascension Parish makes an important point — the parish does not enforce private subdivision or deed restrictions. Even if you get a parish permit, you are still responsible for complying with your HOA rules, subdivision covenants, and property restrictions.

Many Prairieville subdivisions including Manchac Harbor, Santa Maria, Lakes at Ascension, and Quail Creek have specific fence guidelines on height, material, color, and placement. Jay reviews HOA requirements with every customer during the free estimate so there are no surprises after installation.

Why Getting the Permit Right Matters

A fence installed without a required permit or outside of setback requirements can be ordered removed at your expense. Beyond the legal issue, an unpermitted fence can create problems when you sell your home — title searches and home inspections frequently flag unpermitted structures.

Getting it right from the start protects your investment. At Legend Fence we build fences that meet Ascension Parish requirements and back every installation with our 2-Year Workmanship Warranty.

Get a Free Estimate in Ascension Parish

Ready to talk about your fence project? Call Jay Davis at (225) 433-3620 or fill out our contact form at legend-fence.com. Jay will come out personally, walk your property, advise on permit requirements for your specific lot, and give you a straight quote.

Legend Fence serves Prairieville, Gonzales, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Walker, Central, Zachary, Hammond, Covington, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Disclaimer: Permit requirements can change and some properties may have additional zoning, HOA, or subdivision restrictions. Always confirm current requirements with Ascension Parish before construction.