Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Colorado?
Quick Answer
Sometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.
General Rule
Practice varies by city. The building code (IRC R105.2) exempts fences up to 7 feet tall from a building permit, and many jurisdictions follow that — requiring only that your fence comply with zoning rules for height, setback, and materials. Other cities do require a low-cost permit ($25-$50) for any new fence. Fences over 7 feet, and fences with structural elements like masonry columns or retaining walls, always need a building permit. Either way, zoning compliance is mandatory even when a permit isn't — so confirm your city's rule before you build.
Height Restrictions
In most residential zones: front yard fences are limited to 4 feet, side and rear yard fences are allowed up to 6 feet. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions near intersections. Fences over 6 feet may require a variance or special approval. Confirm the specific thresholds with your city.
Common Gotchas
The most common fence permit issues: building on or over the property line (get a survey first), blocking a drainage easement, installing prohibited materials in residential zones (barbed wire, electric), and exceeding height limits in the front yard. Call 811 before digging post holes to locate underground utilities.
HOA Rules
Many subdivisions have HOA covenants that are stricter than city code — requiring specific materials, colors, or styles. HOA approval is separate from the city permit. Get both before building.
Bottom Line
Check your city first — you may need only zoning approval, or a low-cost ($25-$50) permit. Confirm height and setback rules before breaking ground; it's cheap insurance against having to tear down a non-compliant fence.
Permit fees by city in Colorado
Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.
| City | Permit fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Arvada | $34.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Aurora | $1.30 per square footVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Boulder | $25.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Broomfield | $23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family House) | Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family House) → |
| Centennial | Minimum review fee of $20.00, scaling with project valuationVerified | Fence Permit → |
| Colorado Springs | $50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Denver | $20.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Fort Collins | $0.65 per square foot of project areaVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Grand Junction | $50.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Greeley | $23.50 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the City's 2024 Building Permit Fee Schedule Table 1-AVerified | Fence Permit → |
| Lakewood | $26.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Longmont | $27.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Loveland | Based on the current ICC Building Valuation Data (square-foot construction cost by occupancy group/construction type) applied to project square footage; e.g., R-3 (one- and two-family, Type VB) valuation is $175.92/sq ft effective March 15, 2026Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Pueblo | $73.93 per square foot (valuation basis, Table A)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Thornton | $30.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Westminster | $19.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |