🧱 Can I build a fence without authorisation?

With conditions

Quick answer

Usually not without paperwork: enclosing land needs a building permit. Under Law 50/1991, a building permit is issued for enclosure works on land too. In practice, if the fence is a structure fixed in the ground — especially with a concrete foundation — you need a permit, which can't be issued without a valid urban-planning certificate. The certificate sets the conditions (street alignment, maximum height, materials, appearance). Many town halls regulate locally the fence's height, the distance from the pavement or road, and require, for example, that a street-facing fence not be opaque in residential areas. Even where a permit isn't strictly required, some localities require a notification to the town hall and the neighbour's consent, especially for a fence on the property boundary. Always check at your local town hall before building.

📋 The rules

Enclosing land: a building permit (Law 50/1991)
The permit first requires an urban-planning certificate
Local rules: height, alignment, materials, appearance
Street-facing fence: often can't be opaque (residential)
On the property boundary: often the neighbour's consent

🔓 Exceptions

Different local rules: some town halls require only notification
Temporary fence not fixed in the ground: may be treated differently
Protected areas / monuments: strict extra requirements

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Building a fence without a permit, where one is required, is fined between 1,000 and 100,000 lei, plus the duty to demolish the structure at your own expense. In addition, a fence put up without a permit can block the sale of the property or the granting of a mortgage, as it appears as an unauthorised structure. To stay compliant: first get the urban-planning certificate, obtain the building permit, observe the local rules on height and alignment, and on the property boundary make sure you have the neighbour's consent where required. The safest approach is to ask the town hall what documents are needed for your specific situation.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Usually yes. Law 50/1991 provides that a building permit is issued for enclosing land too. If the fence is fixed in the ground, especially with a concrete foundation, you need a permit, which can't be issued without a valid urban-planning certificate obtained in advance from the town hall.

What is the urban-planning certificate?

It's the document that sets the conditions for the enclosure: street alignment, maximum height, permitted materials and the fence's appearance. The building permit can't be issued without a valid urban-planning certificate, which is why it's the first step in obtaining the approvals.

Can I put the fence right on the boundary with my neighbour?

On the property boundary, many localities require the neighbour's consent, especially if the fence is shared or affects the adjoining land. In addition, local rules can set the maximum height and materials. It's safest to clarify the fence's position and features with the neighbour and the town hall before building.

How tall can the fence be?

The law doesn't set a single nationwide height; town halls set locally the maximum height, the distance from the pavement or road, and the permitted materials. In residential areas, a street-facing fence often can't be opaque. Check the specific rules at your locality's town hall before building.

What do I risk building a fence without a permit?

Building without a permit, where one is required, is fined between 1,000 and 100,000 lei plus the duty to demolish the structure at your own expense. In addition, an unauthorised fence can block the sale of the property or a mortgage, being a structure without proper paperwork.

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