Fence and Retaining Wall Permit in Broomfield, Colorado
VerifiedFences in Broomfield are administered by the Planning Division (not the Building Division) and require a permit above a 30-inch height threshold. Retaining walls over 3 feet in height are administered by the Building Division and require an engineer-stamped design.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Fence permit (Planning Division) required for any fence over 30 inches in height; also required for replacement/repair involving structural elements or more than 10 feet of fencing; fences under 30 inches, and minor repairs under 10 feet with no structural change, do not require a permit
- Maximum residential fence height is 6 feet; front-yard fences are generally limited to 2.5 feet; PUD-zoned properties follow their Site Development Plan's specific fence provisions instead
- Corner-lot fences within the sight triangle must be 3.5 feet or shorter, or at least 90% open in style (e.g., wrought iron)
- Electrified, razor-wire, and barbed-wire fencing is prohibited on residential properties
- Fences installed on residential property do not require an inspection
- A site plan (acceptable formats include a Google Earth screenshot, a clear drawing, or a plot plan) illustrating the fence location must be attached to the Fence Permit Application; master fence permit applications must also attach fence detail
- Retaining walls more than 3 feet in height (Building Division permit, not Planning) require Plans, a Site Plan, and an Engineer Stamped Report
Required documents
- Required
Fence Permit Application
Planning Division application submitted to PlanningApps@broomfield.org, requiring a site plan showing fence location, material, length, and height
- Required
Site Plan (fence)
Google Earth screenshot, clear drawing, or plot plan showing proposed fence location
- Optional
General Permit Application (retaining wall)
Building Division application for retaining walls over 3 feet, submitted to buildingpermits@broomfield.org
- Optional
Engineer Stamped Report (retaining wall)
Required for retaining walls over 3 feet in height
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit Fee (Planning Division) | Valuation-based; fee due upon permit issuance (fee table not separately published on the Planning Division fence pages — confirm current amount with Planning at 303-438-6284) | City and County of Broomfield Fence Permit Application; Residential Fence FAQ |
| Retaining Wall Permit Fee (Building Division) — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the published fee table; BMC 15-03-100 Table 1-A above $18,000 | City and County of Broomfield Building Division Fee Schedule |
Review timeline
1–2 business days
Broomfield’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Final (retaining wall only)
Retaining walls over 3 feet are inspected against the approved engineer-stamped design; residential fences do not require an inspection
Tips
- Fences are handled by the Planning Division (planning@broomfield.org, 303-438-6284), NOT the Building Division — a different department, application, and email address than every other permit type in this file.
- The Residential Fence FAQ states fence permit applications are 'generally reviewed within one to two working days' by a Planner.
- Retaining walls are the opposite: they go through the Building Division like other trade permits, and require an engineer-stamped report once over 3 feet in height.
- Know your zoning before applying — PUD-zoned properties follow their own Site Development Plan fence rules rather than the standard citywide fence rules; use the City's online parcel search tool to confirm zoning.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a fence in Broomfield?
- A fence permit is required for any fence over 30 inches high, or for replacement/repair of an existing fence involving structural elements or more than 10 feet of fencing. Fence permits are issued by the Planning Division, not the Building Division. Source: City and County of Broomfield Residential Fence FAQ (Planning Division).
- Do I need an engineer for a retaining wall in Broomfield?
- Yes, if the wall is more than 3 feet in height — the Building Division's permit submittal checklist requires Plans, a Site Plan, and an Engineer Stamped Report for retaining walls over 3 feet. Source: City and County of Broomfield Building Division FAQ, 'What documents do I need for my permit submittal?'
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City and County of Broomfield Building Division (Community Development Department) — official building department
- Fence Permit Application (PDF) | City and County of Broomfield, Planning Division
- Residential Fence FAQ (PDF) | City and County of Broomfield, Planning Division
- FAQs - Community Development - Building | City and County of Broomfield
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 Broomfield building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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