DENVER FENCE PERMIT GUIDE.
Know the key height, placement, and permit rules before you plan your new fence.
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Serving the Denver Metro
DOES YOUR DENVER PROPERTY REQUIRE A FENCE PERMIT?
Denver has clear rules for fence height, placement, and permits. Knowing them upfront can save you time, money, and rework down the road.
QUICK ANSWER
A fence over 4 feet tall needs a Denver zoning permit. Fences 4 feet or shorter generally do not; unless the property has landmark or historic status.
Rules can change. Confirm your specific property with Denver before building.
DENVER'S BASIC FENCE RULES
4 FOOT MAX IN FRONT
In most non-industrial areas, fences in front of the primary street-facing facade must be 4 feet or shorter.
6 FOOT MAX IN BACK
Behind the primary street-facing facade, fences may generally be up to 6 feet.
6 inch sidewalk setback
Keep all fences and walls at least 6 inches back from the public sidewalk.
WHEN A ZONING PERMIT IS REQUIRED
A zoning permit is required for every fence in Denver over 4 feet tall.
WHEN A BUILDING PERMIT MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED
A post-hole dug fence (wood, vinyl, or chain link) needs a building permit only when it is taller than 8 feet.
Other fence and wall types (e.g., masonry, concrete, rock, stucco, retaining walls) require a building permit once they are over 4 feet tall.
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A DENVER FENCE PERMIT?
1
SITE PLAN
Show your lot lines, house, existing structures, and where the fence will go.
2
PROPOSED HEIGHT & MATERIALS
List the fence height at each location and materials you plan to use
3
ELEVATION DETAILS
Include fence elevations if over height limits or if using mixed materials.
4
FOOTING DETAILS
Provide footing size and depth when a building permit is needed.
WHAT SPECIAL CONDITIONS SHOULD YOU CHECK FIRST?
HISTORIC PROPERTIES
All fences and walls require a permit before installation.
DESIGNATED PARKWAYS
All fences and walls require a permit before installation.
FLOODPLAIN PROPERTIES
Fence projects may require an additional permit before work begins.
SEWER LINE WORK
Digging within 2 feet may require a sewer use and drainage permit.
DENVER FENCE PERMIT FAQS
Rules can change. Confirm your specific property with Denver before building.
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot privacy fence in Denver?
Yes. A 6-foot backyard privacy fence generally requires a Denver zoning permit because it is taller than 4 feet. In most residential areas, 6 feet is the typical maximum height allowed behind the primary street-facing façade.
How tall can a fence be in the front yard in Denver?
In most non-industrial Denver neighborhoods, a front-yard fence must be 4 feet tall or shorter. The front-yard area is generally measured in front of the home’s primary street-facing façade.
Can I build a fence on the sidewalk, tree lawn, or my neighbor's property
No. Denver fences cannot be built in the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, streets, alleys, and tree lawn areas. Fences and walls must also sit at least 6 inches back from the public sidewalk and stay on your property.
Do historic Denver homes need a fence permit for any fence height?
Yes. If the property is in a historic district, is an individually designated landmark, or is located along a designated parkway, Denver requires a permit for every fence and wall—even when it is 4 feet tall or shorter.
VP Fencing did an amazing job on our property. Professional, on time, and the quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!"
- Jason T., Highlands Ranch, CO
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