Fence / Wall Permit in Mesa, Arizona
In Mesa, fences and walls require a construction permit if they exceed 6 feet in height (rear and side yards) or exceed 3 feet in the front and side yards. Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top) or any retaining wall supporting surcharge or liquids require a permit. Fences and walls requiring a permit also require zoning clearance from the Planning Division. Fences on top of retaining walls always require a permit. Fences under 6 feet in the rear do not require a permit. No fence may be within 3 feet of a fire hydrant or utility.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Permit required: fences over 6 feet high; retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top; fences on top of retaining walls; any retaining wall supporting surcharge or liquids
- No permit required: fences up to 6 feet in the rear; fences up to 3 feet in the front and side yards
- Fences/walls requiring a permit also require a zoning clearance from the Planning Division (call 480-644-4726 for Planner of the Day)
- All fences must be at least 3 feet from fire hydrants or utilities
- Corner lot fences must be located so as not to block driver's sightlines per Mesa Standard Details (2023 Mesa Standard Details and Specifications)
- Contact Arizona 811 before digging (at least 2 days in advance)
Required documents
- Req
Site Plan showing fence/wall location
Required for permit application showing property lines, setbacks, and fence/wall location
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/wall permit — Residential Rate Table (valuation-based) | $0–$8,333: $220; $8,334–$16,667: $330; $16,668–$24,999: $440. For most residential fences the valuation is under $25,000. | Mesa Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges (Dec 2025), Residential Rate Table. Valuation determined by applicant and verified by Plans Examiner. |
Review timeline
10–10 business days
Mesa’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Inspection per stage
Inspections required for permitted fence/wall work. Schedule via DIMES, text to 480-644-2428, or phone.
Tips
- Fences under 6 feet in the rear yard and under 3 feet in the front/side yards do NOT require a permit in Mesa.
- Retaining walls under 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top) that do NOT hold back dirt or water do not require a permit.
- Fences and walls requiring a permit also require a zoning clearance — contact the Planner of the Day at 480-644-4726 before applying.
- Call Arizona 811 (at least 2 days in advance) before any digging.
- Corner lots: check Mesa Standard Details for required sightline clearances before placing a fence.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a fence in Mesa?
- No permit is required for fences up to 6 feet in the rear yard or up to 3 feet in the front and side yards. A permit and zoning clearance are required for fences over 6 feet high, retaining walls over 4 feet tall, or fences on top of retaining walls. Source: City of Mesa Residential Construction FAQ and Residential Construction — Homeowner's Guide.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Mesa Development Services Department — Permit Services — official building department
- Residential Construction FAQ (fences) | City of Mesa
- Residential Construction — Homeowner's Guide (fences) — PDF
- Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges (Dec 2025) — PDF
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Mesa building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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