On Wednesday evening, the Northampton County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance tightening rules for barbed wire and razor wire fences, limiting their use to facilities that require increased security and clarifying how the county will deal with existing non-compliant fences.
Under the revised regulation, barbed wire and barbed wire fences may only be constructed for government, industrial or commercial security purposes. These fences are legally permitted within industrial and commercial areas. Businesses in the county's business district, known as a softer commercial zone, will still be required to obtain a special use permit before installing razor wire or razor wire fencing.
Planning staff emphasized that the rule would have no impact on the agricultural use of barbed wire for livestock or crop protection, which is already permitted under county code. Government facilities such as the Eastern Shore Regional Jail may also erect reinforced security fencing if necessary, although officials have cautioned that such cases are expected to be rare.
The board opened a public hearing at which Jamesville resident Janet Reese raised concerns about visibility and traffic safety surrounding residential front yard fencing. Reese pointed out that while the ordinance allows four-foot fences in front yards, VDOT and AASHTO visibility standards limit fences to three feet within the required visibility triangles. She asked supervisors to add clarifying language to prevent conflicts between county rules and state traffic safety requirements.
District Attorney Ellen Bowyer responded that the existing zoning code already prohibits fences that obstruct visibility at intersections or driveways and said the ordinance remains consistent with those provisions. Bowyer also clarified that existing fences are treated as unlawful structures and can remain in place until more than 10 percent of the fence needs to be replaced. At this point, the property owner would need to fully adapt the fence to the new regulations.
After discussion, the board unanimously approved the ordinance.