Fence / Block Wall Permit in Unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona
Required for fences and block walls in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Permit fees are valuation-based using per-lineal-foot rates published in the county's Local Additions and Addenda (e.g., chain link at $6/LF, CMU 4-inch block at $14–$21/LF, wrought iron at $16/LF, wood at $11/LF). The county publishes Fence Details drawings for various block wall and fence types. Apply through Permit Center online.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Permit required for fences and block walls in unincorporated Maricopa County
- Apply online through Permit Center at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice
- Submit site plan showing fence/wall location, property lines, and setbacks
- Valuation determined by fence type and length using per-lineal-foot rates from the Local Additions and Addenda
Required documents
- Opt
Fence Details 2019 (PDF)
Maricopa County standard fence and block wall construction detail drawings for various types; available at https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4719/Fence-Details-2019-PDF
- Opt
Fence Details for Sun City and Sun City West
Block wall and fence construction details specific to Sun City and Sun City West; available at https://www.maricopa.gov/6407/Block-Wall-Fence-Construction-Details-fo
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/wall permit fee — valuation-based per Table 1-A | Valuation per lineal foot by type: Retaining wall 0–2 ft: $15/LF; Retaining wall 2–4 ft: $25/LF; Retaining wall 4–6 ft: $42/LF; Retaining wall over 6 ft: $86/LF; Chain link (including mesh): $6/LF; CMU 4" block ≤6 ft high: $14/LF; CMU 4" block over 6 ft high: $21/LF; CMU 6" or 8" or other block: $22/LF; Wrought iron: $16/LF; Iron and wood: $18/LF; Wood: $11/LF; 3-strand barbed wire: $3/LF; Rail: $6/LF. Permit fee calculated from resulting valuation per Table 1-A. | Local Additions and Addenda, Additional Value Determinations: Walls and Fences section (June 2024 Summary of Fee Schedule). Plan review fee (65% of permit fee) applies separately. |
Review timeline
~3–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Maricopa County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing Inspection
Before concrete pour for block wall footings — verify depth and dimensions per county fence detail standards
- 2
Final
Wall or fence fully constructed per approved plans and county fence details
Tips
- The county's Fence Details 2019 document (https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4719/Fence-Details-2019-PDF) contains standard construction details for CMU block walls at various heights. Review these before designing your fence.
- If your property is in Sun City or Sun City West, use the specific fence details for those master-planned communities (https://www.maricopa.gov/6407/Block-Wall-Fence-Construction-Details-fo) rather than the general Fence Details 2019.
- Fence valuation uses per-lineal-foot rates from the county's fee schedule — calculate total linear feet of each fence type and multiply by the applicable rate to estimate your permit fee.
Frequently asked questions
- How is a fence permit fee calculated in unincorporated Maricopa County?
- Fence permit fees are valuation-based. The county assigns a per-lineal-foot dollar value to each fence type (e.g., chain link = $6/LF, wood = $11/LF, wrought iron = $16/LF, CMU block = $14–$22/LF). Total length multiplied by per-LF rate = project valuation; then Table 1-A applies to determine the permit fee. Source: Maricopa County Summary of Fee Schedule, June 2024 (https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94568)
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Maricopa County Planning and Development Department — official building department
- Fence Details 2019 (PDF) | Maricopa County
- Residential Construction | Maricopa County Planning & Development
- Summary of the Fee Schedule, June 2024 — 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 Unincorporated Maricopa County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Unincorporated Maricopa County
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