Fence and Retaining Wall Permit in Post Falls, Idaho
VerifiedFences in Post Falls do NOT require a Building Division permit — only compliance with Post Falls Municipal Code Section 18.24.020(K) height/placement standards. Retaining walls, however, are a listed Building Permit fee item billed per linear foot.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Fences: NO building permit required. Must be placed on or within the property boundary line; maximum 3 feet in height within a required front yard setback; maximum 6 feet in height in rear/side yard setback areas (per Post Falls Municipal Code Section 18.24.020(K))
- Corner lots: fences may be 6 feet tall along the street-side yard so long as the fence does not extend into the front yard setback; fences abutting an adjoining lot's side yard may not exceed 3 feet or block driveway visibility; a 10-foot-by-10-foot vision-clearance triangle applies at driveways where new fences affect visibility
- Compliance with zoning setbacks and lot coverage is NOT required for fences, walls, signs, or accessory structures that do not require a building permit, per Table 18.20.040 Note 10 of the Official Bulk and Placement Regulations
- Retaining Walls: a Building Permit IS required and is billed at $4.50 per linear foot per the City's Fee Schedule
- Apply through the Community Development Portal for retaining wall permits
Required documents
- Optional
Fence Requirements FAQ
City of Post Falls handout confirming no permit is required for fences meeting the height/placement standards of PFMC 18.24.020(K)
- Required
Building Permit Application (Retaining Wall)
Submitted online through the Community Development Portal for retaining walls
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence (meeting height/placement standards) | No fee — no Building Division permit required | City of Post Falls Fence Requirements FAQ; governed by Post Falls Municipal Code Section 18.24.020(K) zoning standards only |
| Retaining Walls | $4.50 per Linear Foot | City of Post Falls Fee Schedule, rev 10-1-2025 |
Review timeline
10–10 business days
Post Falls’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Final
Completed retaining wall verified against approved plans and City Design Criteria (soil bearing capacity 1,500 psf without a soils investigation)
Tips
- Fences in Post Falls do not require a Building Division permit at all — only compliance with the municipal code's height and setback standards (3 feet in front yard setbacks, 6 feet in rear/side yard setback areas).
- Retaining walls are billed per linear foot ($4.50/ft) rather than by valuation, unlike most other Building Permit categories.
- Corner-lot fences get a 6-foot allowance on the street-side yard, but must respect a 10x10 vision-clearance triangle near driveways.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a fence in Post Falls?
- No. The City of Post Falls does not require a building permit for fences; they must meet the height and property-line standards in Post Falls Municipal Code Section 18.24.020(K) (3 feet in front yard setbacks, 6 feet in rear/side yard setback areas, with additional corner-lot and vision-clearance rules). Source: City of Post Falls Fence Requirements FAQ.
- Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Post Falls?
- Yes. Retaining walls are a listed Building Permit fee item, billed at $4.50 per linear foot. Source: City of Post Falls Fee Schedule, rev 10-1-2025.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Post Falls Community Development Department, Building Division — official building department
- Fence Requirements (PDF) | City of Post Falls
- Fee Schedule (PDF) | City of Post Falls
- Residential Site Plan Requirements / Bulk and Placement Table | City of Post Falls
- Idaho Code § 39-4117 — Processing Building Permits — Timely Review (Idaho State Legislature)
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 Post Falls building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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