Fence / Wall Permit in Scottsdale, Arizona
A building permit is required for fences and walls in Scottsdale (except walls three feet or less, which do not require a permit, though a site plan is required for a courtesy plan review). Retaining walls require a separate permit. Fence walls are permitted under the residential building permit fee schedule using a linear-footage-based fee. A neighbor authorization form is available where a fence or wall is proposed on a shared property line.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Fences and walls over 3 feet in height require a building permit; walls 3 feet or less do not require a permit (but a site plan is required for courtesy plan review)
- Apply through Scottsdale SPUR portal
- Provide site plan showing fence/wall location and neighbor authorization if on a shared property line
Required documents
- Req
Application for Single Family Residential (fence/wall scope)
SFR permit application form; submitted through SPUR
- Opt
Fence/Wall on Property Line, Neighbor Authorization
Required when a fence or wall is proposed on a shared property line; available on the Planning and Development Forms page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence walls — permit fee | $237 base fee + $0.27/linear foot | Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential, Resolution No. 13661 (FY 2026/27, effective July 1, 2026). Source: scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development/fees. |
| Retaining Walls — permit fee | $237 base fee + $2.49/linear foot | Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential, Resolution No. 13661. |
| Plan review fee (fence/retaining wall) | $121/hour + $0.18/linear foot (fence or retaining wall only) | Plan Review Fee Schedule – SFR, Resolution No. 13391. |
Review timeline
~3–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Scottsdale building department
Inspection process
- 1
Final inspection
Fence or wall inspected when construction is complete.
Tips
- Walls three feet or less in height do not require a permit, but a site plan is required for a courtesy plan review.
- Retaining walls carry a higher per-linear-foot fee ($2.49/lf) than standard fence walls ($0.27/lf).
- A neighbor authorization form is available if the fence is on a shared property line.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a fence in Scottsdale?
- Yes, for fences over 3 feet in height. Walls 3 feet or less are exempt from the permit requirement, but a site plan is required for a courtesy plan review. Fence wall permit fees are $237 base + $0.27 per linear foot. Source: City of Scottsdale Permit Services page and Permit Fee Schedule – SFR, Resolution No. 13661.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — official building department
- Permit Services (fence/wall permit) | City of Scottsdale
- Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential (FY 2026/27, Resolution No. 13661) — 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 Scottsdale building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Scottsdale
Related guides
Get the AI compliance checklist
Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.