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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 2026-07-16 · 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

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Fee schedule

Fence/wall permit — Residential Rate Table (valuation-based)Mesa Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges (Dec 2025), Residential Rate Table. Valuation determined by applicant and verified by Plans Examiner.
$0–$8,333: $220; $8,334–$16,667: $330; $16,668–$24,999: $440. For most residential fences the valuation is under $25,000.

Review timeline

Plan reviewMesa’s published plan-review target
10–10 business days

How long did your Fence / Wall Permit permit actually take in Mesa?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Inspection per stage

    Inspections required for permitted fence/wall work. Schedule via DIMES, text to 480-644-2428, or phone.

See the full Mesa inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

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

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.

In Mesa, the published Fence/wall permit — Residential Rate Table (valuation-based) is: $0–$8,333: $220; $8,334–$16,667: $330; $16,668–$24,999: $440. For most residential fences the valuation is under $25,000.. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Mesa's published plan-review target for a fence / wall permit is 10–10 business days.

You'll need: Site Plan showing fence/wall location. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Mesa requires 1 inspection(s) for a fence / wall permit, in order: Inspection per stage. Schedule each through City of Mesa Development Services Department — Permit Services (480-644-4273).

Apply through City of Mesa Development Services Department — Permit Services at 55 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201. Phone: 480-644-4273, email: PermitServices@mesaaz.gov. Office hours: Monday–Thursday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday (Essential Services Call Center only) 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Official information: https://www.mesaaz.gov/Business-Development/Development-Services/Building-Permit-Plan-Review.

Mesa, Arizona has adopted: 2024 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by Mesa City Council; effective January 8, 2026 (applies to permit applications submitted on or after that date); local amendments published in Mesa City Code Title 4 — Building Regulations (Municode); 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; existing 2018 IRC standard plans valid for 6 months after adoption; 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — effective January 8, 2026; Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — Mesa City Code Title 4 local amendments; 2023 NEC (Electrical) Checklist published by Development Services; ADA 2017 / ICC A117.1 — referenced for accessibility compliance; 2025 NFPA 13 (Sprinklers) and 2025 NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm) — referenced for fire protection systems. Local amendments apply — see the Mesa overview page for the full list.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-16.

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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Fence / Wall Permit in other cities

Chandler, ArizonaCity of St. Johns, ArizonaColorado City, ArizonaGila Bend, ArizonaGilbert, ArizonaHolbrook, ArizonaLitchfield Park, ArizonaPeoria, Arizona

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